Dimma's presser today:
Watch here: https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2019-08-16/hardwick-previews-west-coast-------------------------------------------------
Tigers won't hide tactics in must-win clash: Hardwick AFL.com.au
Sarah Black
Aug 16, 2019 11:17AMTHERE'S a sense of anticipation at Punt Road ahead of Richmond's clash with fellow top-four side West Coast on Sunday.
The Tigers have won seven games straight, and after a torrid run with injury, the only concern is skipper Trent Cotchin, one more week away with a lingering hamstring issue.
But the final two matches of the season – against the Eagles and Brisbane (currently in second place) – will shape Richmond's finals campaign.
Coach Damien Hardwick won't be holding back any surprise tactics over the next fortnight, despite the strong chance of meeting their upcoming opponents in September.
"We've got match committee today (Friday) and we'll go through a couple of scenarios and what it looks like," Hardwick said.
"But we're in a position where we have to win, so we'll make sure we put our best foot forward and worry about what comes down the track, down the track."
A quirk of the fixture means the last time Richmond and West Coast met was round nine, 2018, when the Eagles comprehensively humbled the Tigers at Optus Stadium.
"There were some things in our game that we took away from and made some changes as to how we want to play last time," Hardwick said.
"They're a great aerial side. Their ability around the clearances is another strength of theirs, and their ability to control the ball by foot. So, there's three areas of their game we'll try and negate as best we can."
Hardwick was confident Cotchin will return next round, making it three weeks on the sideline for his latest left hamstring issue, his third this year.
Superstar midfielder Dustin Martin will return after a week off with general soreness.
"[Martin] was a bit touch-and-go last week, but the amount of work he's put into training this week, there was always going to be an easy decision to make, so we look forward to welcoming him back," Hardwick said.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-08-16/tigers-wont-hide-tactics-in-mustwin-clash-hardwick
