Kayne Pettifer: no honour in defeat
2:43 PM Mon 9 July, 2007
By Luke Holmesby
for richmondfc.com.au
RICHMOND is looking to break even in the second half of the year after going without a win in the first 12 rounds, according to forward Kayne Pettifer.
“We had a lot of meetings over the mid-season break,” Pettifer said. “We play a few games in Melbourne and a few interstate ones, so we’re looking at winning as many of them as possible.”
Pettifer, clearly disappointed with the team’s 25-point loss to the Kangaroos, said the club could not afford to be content with honourable losses.
“I’m sick of getting close every week. We’re putting in okay performances but it is time to make a stand now,” he said.
“There’s too big a gap between our good and our bad. I’m sick of losing – it’s killing me.”
Pettifer found it difficult to stand watching at the other end of the ground as the Kangaroos piled on five quick goals in the third term to set up the win.
“They’re very good at the stoppages and took a few out of the centre,” he said.
“It is frustrating to see the ball go straight down to the other end, but that’s footy and you can’t do much about it.”
The Tiger forward, who booted three goals in the loss, said he is making an effort to stand up and be counted as the side works to get off the bottom of the ladder.
“This is my seventh year now and I’ve played nearly 100 games,” he said.
“I think there are 21 guys under the age of 22, at the club and I’m trying to help out the guys who play similar roles to me.
“I do see myself as a leader now. I’ve played every game for the past three years and I’ve got to take another step in my leadership.”
Pettifer believes the side is a real chance to get over the line against Hawthorn this week.
“We played Hawthorn twice last year and had two good wins,” he said. “We’ve got to come out and play our best footy and hopefully have a win.”
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