We should train more at the 'G - Sugar

[one-eyed]

2:02:23 PM Fri 25 August, 2006
Mark Rasmussen
Sportal for afl.com.au

With Friday's training session at the MCG only the Tigers second this year, Johnson has sounded out the AFL with the hope of being able to train there more often.

"It would be nice to get out here every week but you just don't get the opportunity," Johnson said.

"Punt Road is quite a small oval and it's good to get out of there and onto a deck like this.

"I'm sure for all clubs where this (MCG) is their home ground, they're trying to get that job done but obviously this ground and Telstra Dome, they don't like us training there. Hopefully at some stage they (the AFL) will come up with an agreement where we can train here at least once a fortnight or once a month," Johnson added.

http://richmondfc.com.au/default.asp?pg=news&spg=display&articleid=292265

[one-eyed]

'G, let us have a run on it
26 August 2006   
Herald-Sun
Bruce Matthews

RICHMOND captain Kane Johnson echoed the sentiments of all MCG tenants yesterday with a plea for more training time at football's spiritual home.

Johnson said the players had an extra spring in their step during a rare midweek visit to the stadium to prepare for tonight's game against Essendon.

"Punt Rd is quite a small oval and it's really good to get on here where it's big and open. You're able to use your skills a bit better," he said.

"You look at West Coast and Adelaide. They train on Subiaco and AAMI Stadium all the time and they are such good decks that their skills are always up and about."

It was only the second time Richmond had trained at the MCG this season. and the permission followed Melbourne training there earlier in the week.

"We would love to do it every week, have our main session out here," Johnson said.

"This ground and Telstra Dome, they don't like us training there. Hopefully, at some stage they can come up with an agreement that we can get here at least once a fortnight or once a month."

Richmond is trying to halt a losing sequence at the MCG after losses to the Western Bulldogs, St Kilda and Melbourne last month.

"It is our home ground and we're really keen to win most games here. The last three have been a little bit disappointing. So this is another chance to get a win on our home deck and finish off the season on a good note," Johnson said.

Victory tonight would make it the first time since 1931 the Tigers have beaten both Carlton and Essendon twice in a season.

"We shouldn't need those sorts of things. We should be able to get ourselves up every game," Johnson said.

"But it would be a good effort because I know the supporters do really love beating all those sides. It gives them bragging rights over the summer.

"We've had a lot of senior players injured. Browny (Nathan Brown) has hardly played at all; Richo (Matthew Richardson) has missed a chunk; (Darren) Gaspar and Ray Hall have missed a chunk, and it's very hard to get any consistency into your game," Johnson said.

http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,20253913%255E19742,00.html