Tigers keen for Bombers' 'physicality'Richmond Assistant Coach, Sam Lonergan, expects Friday's practice match against Essendon to be high energy.
By Anna Pavlou
RichmondFC.com.au
Feb 18, 2026Richmond Assistant Coach, Midfield/Stoppages, Sam Lonergan, has lifted the lid on how the Tigers will attack Friday's match simulation against Essendon at the NEC Hangar.
The match will give Richmond its first crack at football against opposition this season, after a strong summer on the training track.
From Lonergan's perspective, it's the perfect chance to show off the hard work that has been applied throughout the pre-season at the Swinburne Centre.
"The boys are really looking forward to facing some opposition, not their own teammates, feeling the physicality of another team and putting their work from the pre-season to the test," Lonergan said.
In regards to what Friday's match will entail, Lonergan expects the contest to be fierce, with the playing group itching to face off against some real opponents.
"We will give all our guys some minutes and try make it evenly spread across the course of the match simulation," Lonergan said.
"As players and coaches, we often feel like we've done a heap of work already in pre-season, but when we feel the heat of another team, it's a good reminder to make sure we can get back to basics and perfect them.
"The intensity and physicality will increase during match simulation and after that. As much as we try and replicate that in training, it's hard to do until you play."
For those who will be in attendance on Friday, or watching via Fox Footy or Kayo Sports, Lonergan has high expectations the first and second-year Tigers will step up to their first challenge of the year.
"The fans can expect excitement. Our young players will get plenty of minutes in roles they've played over the last few years and in their junior careers," he said.
"We've already seen excitement through our internal games with Harry Armstrong, Taj Hotton, Sam Cumming and Sam Lalor.
"We will see opportunity for all of our guys to play in areas of their strengths and bring some excitement, giving our fans their first taste of a new crew this season."
On a bigger scale, the test against the Bombers is an early chance to prepare for a long season, that kicks off against Carlton on Thursday March 12 at the MCG.
"It's still early on in the pre-season, we've still got a four-week block before Round 1, so we want to make sure we are fit and healthy," Lonergan said.
"We will be there to put our best foot forward and test what we've done over the pre-season. But we've still got a four-week training block to get better and launch into Round 1 and the whole season."
Match simulation is scheduled at the NEC Hangar against Essendon this Friday from 10.30am (AEDT).
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1956162/tigers-keen-for-bombers-physicality
