We feel your pain!
I offer my heartfelt apologies to each and every Richmond Member. I understand the pain and disappointment that you all feel. I know what football means to you all and the pride you have in your Club. We have tested your loyalty and commitment many times over the years and thankfully you have trusted and believed in the current administration, bestowed with the honor of guiding your Club.
Yesterday’s result will test your belief and trust. I can only reiterate what I have said before, the process for sustained success is in place. A stable, strong, strategic Board led by a man who really cares – Gary March. A very capable Senior Administration, who under Steven Wright has turned around the Club’s financial position. A Match Committee of hard working and creative people, with strong values, led by Terry Wallace. It is clear that Terry, more than anyone, has bought the Richmond family back together.
Don’t measure the playing group on yesterday’s performance alone. Senior players are either injured (Coughlan, Brown, Simmonds) or not in career best form. Leadership/experience is a very important ingredient you rely on when you bring a younger group together. Yes, we have moved on a few experienced players and may suffer short-term consequences; however our sights are clearly set on the next Tiger Premiership.
I believe in our youth. The camaraderie, talent and attitude of the players at our Club is outstanding. They will excite you at times and disappoint you at others. We will sort out who will go on the journey with us and ensure we get games under the belt of those that will take the Club forwards.
Many will say we’ve heard it before but if you love Richmond, you will take a deep breath and trust that the foundations are solid, and in place.
We will not be responding to the media hysteria, and will adhere to our policies and direction. We’ll learn from the weekend and trust the performance will never be repeated.
Greg Miller
Director of Football