Moama A-okay
Stamp of approval: Richmond coach Terry Wallace inspects Moama’s Jack Eddy Oval. Photo: LAURA GRAHAM
By Tim Doutre
January 25 2008
Riverine Herald
Richmond Tigers coach Terry Wallace was in town yesterday morning to inspect Moama's Jack Eddy Oval in preparation for his team's coming practice match.
The charismatic coach made a whirlwind visit to the area and, not leaving anything to chance for the pre-season practice match, the turf passed his test.
"I came up to make sure the ground surface was up to scratch," Wallace said.
"There is good grass cover, it's great. It is a fraction hard at the moment, but the curators are going to make sure they put plenty of water on it in the coming weeks.
"Players are fairly expensive commodities these days. We lost Troy Simmonds and Nathan Brown early last year and it just impacts your whole season."
The Tigers have been in full pre-season training but are yet to play a full-scale practice match.
"We have been doing practice sessions building up to our match play," Wallace said.
"In the past, we have had two practice matches in the lead-up (to the pre-season competition), but this time we are only having one because of the early start."
The match will be the Tigers' only hit-out before their NAB Cup match against St Kilda on February 15 and spectators can expect a solid display of competitive football.
Wallace said as it was his side's only hit-out, players would be fighting for positions.
"Obviously your key premium players will play regardless, but it will be nice and competitive," he said.
Wallace confirmed the likes of Matthew Richardson, Nathan Brown and Brett Deledio would take part.
Around eight district players will get the rare opportunity to take part in the practice match.
"We will be playing some locals in the game. It gives them the opportunity to have a look at what it takes to play at AFL level and adds interest," Wallace said.
"The main thing is to get in and put on a display for the locals and show where the club's heading and hopefully get through unscathed.
"The other aspect is that it will be a competitive game. We will pick two even sides. For example, we will have our best backline on our best forward line."
Echuca boy turned Tiger Daniel Connors will be part of the crew making the trip north.
The 19-year-old, who played four home-and-away games last season, had experienced some injury troubles in recent months, Wallace said.
"He had a stress sort of problem in his foot over the Christmas period, so he is a bit behind," he said.
"He will certainly be up here and certainly training. Whether or not he is ready for match play will depend on how he pulls up."
The Tigers squad and entourage of trainers and support staff will arrive in Echuca on Tuesday, February 5, as part of their three-day Echuca camp, which will include community appearances, training clinics, forums and functions as well as the practice match.
The practice match will be held at Jack Eddy Oval on Thursday, February 7, at 4pm.
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