Williams wary of Richo's milestone
21 July 2007 Herald Sun/ Adelaide Advertiser
Michelangelo Rucci
PORT Adelaide coach Mark Williams is wary that the "Richo factor" tomorrow could cost his side dearly if Richmond rallies to make Matthew Richardson's 250th game more memorable.
The key forward is regarded something akin to the Tigers' soul and as a result it's hard to see Richmond playing as badly as it did last week against Hawthorn, when it lost by 53 points.
"You underestimate them at your peril," warned Williams of the Tigers, describing the team Port beat by 40 points in Round 7 as "pretty competitive in the past few weeks".
"There is no reason - and no way - we will do that."
Port's midfield has been hot in recent weeks, as evidenced by the Power's 91-point win against West Coast last week.
The win lifted Port to fifth and with home games against Melbourne and Carlton to come, Williams knows a top-four spot is still a chance.
But Richardson, in front of his fans at the MCG, could pose a major danger, particularly as Port's one perceived weakness is its key defenders.
Williams is likely to opt for either Toby Thurstans or the inexperienced Alipate Carlile or even travelling emergency Troy Chaplin on Richardson. A more likely option is to send in-form Chad Cornes into defence to counter him.
"If our players start reading too much of their own press, they will get a rude awakening. And they are fully aware of that," Williams said.
"The fact is, if you don't play well, you will get dropped. We have players - Nick Lower and Tom Logan - coming back from injury and playing well in the SANFL.
"And we have experienced campaigners in Josh Mahoney and Darryl Wakelin ready to come back in the group."
Richmond, which had assistant coach David King scout the Power last weekend, has made a public issue of dealing with Port's midfield.
"I read on-line," said Williams, "that (Richmond assistant coach) Brian Royal is talking about our onball brigade and how important they are. I'm sure they'll be trying to shut us down in that regard."
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