Ferguson ‘builds’ towards BrisbaneRyan Ferguson reflects on the narrow loss to the Saints and looks ahead to the Lions' challenge.
By Henry Milic
Richmond Media
Sep 22, 2025After falling seven points short to St Kilda in a back-and-forth contest at RSEA Park on Sunday, Richmond will look to capitalise on its key “moments” as the focus switches towards this week's battle with Brisbane.
Ryan Ferguson felt his side was in control of the game, holding a seven-point lead heading into the last quarter and leading the way in most of the key statistical categories.
However, a string of missed opportunities proved crucial when the match was on the line.
“I think we did a lot right across the whole game and that we controlled most of the game, but I thought moments let us down,” Ferguson said.
“We released the pressure valve too many times, we either gave away goals or missed opportunities to have more chances at goal by giving away free kicks at each end of the ground.
“Moments cost us, which allowed them to get momentum back in and I thought we could have created some separation, but we fought out the game.
“So much of the game was what we planned for and on our terms, but we just weren’t able to maximise our scores, and then take away (St Kilda's) in those moments.”
Despite winning the inside 50 count 33-28, Ferguson insists that his side must be better positioned when the ball is coming into the forward line.
“There were definitely times where we didn’t get the ball in deep enough, and then we weren’t able to have layers to score, but then to also be able to keep the ball in to maybe get a second or third chance at scoring,” Ferguson said.
“Also making sure that we are really well organised ahead of the ball, setting the ground up to provide the contest or create separation.
“So, it’s easy to look for one fix and the golden bullet, but the fact is there are just a few areas that we can get sharper with and that we will continue to work on to get that inside 50 connection.”
Dropping to 0-6 on the season, Ferguson's focus turns to keeping the group connected by making sure his side continues to build and grow from these losses.
“I thought we were really well organised, last week not so much, but this week we adjusted and held some great shape,” Ferguson said.
“We put St Kilda under enormous pressure, so we will be looking at that and then adjusting some things that we can benefit from.
“Stick to the course, stay together and continue to build our game, rather than try to go to stories.”
The Tigers now work towards Sunday's meeting with the Lions, who have been one of the competition's traditional powerhouse sides.
“We respect Brisbane very much and we have had some great battles against them, so our players will be really excited to travel together on Grand Final Day,” Ferguson said.
“They will train and watch the Grand Final together, but we will pay our respects to them (Brisbane) in terms of studying them, but it will also be very much about us and about what we are building and how we can continue to maximise our game.
“We just need to make sure we focus on us and what we can do.”
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1901068/ferguson-builds-towards-brisbane
