Tigers prepared to play 'anywhere, anytime'Richmond is drawing on its 2020 experiences as it adapts to the changing circumstances.
By Grace Kalac
AFL Media
29 May 2021Richmond coach Damien Hardwick says the Tigers are taking their unexpected trip to Sydney in their stride as they adapt to the changing circumstances.
Speaking to the media ahead of Sunday's clash against Adelaide at Giants Stadium, Hardwick said the team was drawing on its 2020 experiences and enjoying the opportunity to connect as a group.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the Tigers' movements following this weekend's match, their sights are firmly fixed on the present.
"It's a bit of a blast from the past, we have a fair indication of what it looks and feels like from last year," he said.
"We're looking at it as a positive from our point of view, it's good to get back and reconnect as a club.
"Our leaders have spoken about how it's a great opportunity for us to strive to come together and play some really good footy.
"We're open to anything. Our club is really open to keeping the game going and we're prepared to play anywhere, anytime."
Richmond will regain top-tier midfielders Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia and Shai Bolton for Sunday's game. Talented talls Callum Coleman-Jones and Mabior Chol have also been recalled for their first appearances of the year.
It'll be a new-look line-up for the Tigers, who will be without David Astbury (Achilles soreness) and Tom Lynch (knee), but they're excited to see how it unfolds.
"We haven't seen these players play together, so how it works we're not quite sure, but what we do know is it's going to give us a really different look than what we've seen before," Hardwick said.
"It's exciting, we've got some guys that have been in really good form at VFL level. Callum Coleman-Jones, we're really excited for him to get his opportunity. It's been a long time (between games).
"He's been one of the in-form players in the competition at the lower level and Mabior Chol as well, he's another player that we've had a really good look at and he can do some wonderful things on the football field.
Despite being pleased by the young talent Richmond has unearthed in recent weeks, Hardwick was looking forward to injecting some experience back into his midfield on Sunday.
"We welcome back some bonafide stars in Trent Cotchin, Dion Prestia and Shai Bolton," he said.
"We're just looking forward to getting out there tomorrow and playing."
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/946898/tigers-prepared-to-play-anywhere-anytime-
