Tiger stars not for sale!
10:46:45 AM Thu 8 July, 2004
Tony Greenberg
richmondfc.com.au
Richmond’s Director of Football, Greg Miller, has jumped to the defence of star Tiger trio Matthew Richardson, Darren Gaspar and Brad Ottens in the wake of comments by leading football journalist, Patrick Smith, that they should be traded at the end of the season.
Smith, in his column in ‘The Australian’ yesterday (Wednesday, July 7), wrote that Richmond must trade at least one and maybe all, of the above-mentioned players in order to rebuild its list.
“Richmond have had Richardson, Gaspar and Ottens together since 1998. That has not delivered a premiership and will not deliver one. They should be used to enrich a tired list,” Smith said.
Miller, however, has dismissed Smith’s suggestion that Ottens (out of contract at season’s end), Richardson and Gaspar (both contracted for next year) need to be shipped out of Punt Road.
Speaking on Kevin Bartlett’s ‘Hungry For Sport’ program on SEN, Miller outlined why each of the players targetted by Smith should stay at Tigerland.
On Matthew Richardson . . .
“As has been well documented, we had a long talk to Matty Richardson last year about some parts of his game.
“He gives everything to the Richmond Football Club. He represents us – on and off the field – in the most passionate way he can. And, sometimes, that body language has let him down.
“But I think this year, for example, that part of his game he’s worked hardest at turning around, and he’s been sensational again off the field and very good on the field.
“So, I’m very pleased with his contribution.”
On Darren Gaspar . . .
“Look, ‘Gas’ hasn’t had the best of years, but he had just nine months off after a knee reconstruction.
“He played because he felt obligated to represent the Club. He felt obligated to get out there and give it his best, and he’s been playing under duress. And, I think it’s unfair to mention him solely on his performance this year.
“He knows he hasn’t been playing as well. He knows that he’s not jumping off the ground or getting off the mark as quick as he will next year.
“So, I think it’s a bit unfair (to criticise him) . . .”
On Brad Ottens . . .
“We put a new deal to Brad last year, so that he wouldn’t come out of contract – and I admire his answer.
“He felt that he’s been paid on potential for too long and that he had to get the runs on the board.
“He wants to play for Richmond his whole career and he wants to be measured on his performances – not on potential. And, I admired him for the stance he took last year.
“And, that’s how the discussions (on a new contract for him) have been going . . .
“Brad’s very much part of our future.
“You could say Brad has been a bit inconsistent this year. He’s had some good games, and some good quarters and good halves.
“I also think he’s been a little bit restricted, too. He’s not quite back to the agility that he had prior to his back operation.
“But I think he’s improving in that area and I believe he’ll be an even better player next year.”
