No excuses for Tigers: Walls (Age)

[one-eyed]

No excuses for Blues, Tigers
Robert Walls | May 24, 2008

THERE comes a time in a season when a team simply has to win. There can be no excuses or hard-luck stories. That time has come for both Carlton and Richmond. This afternoon, the Blues just have to beat a fragile Fremantle and tonight at the MCG in the "Dreamtime game", the Tigers will be defenceless if they get beaten by the brittle Bombers.
....
And as for the Tigers, it would be a disaster if they dropped tonight's game to the Bombers. Essendon is reeling. The team is unsettled. Massive scores are being kicked against it and, other than a struggling Matthew Lloyd, no one else averages a goal a game. Richmond has earned respect in recent weeks with a big win over Fremantle at Subiaco, an unlucky draw with the Bulldogs, and close contests with Hawthorn and St Kilda. A poor showing in a showcase game tonight would undo a lot of good work.

Tonight the Tigers need Matthew Richardson to continue his excellent form. The old Tiger is flourishing in his new role of go-anywhere wingman. Averaging more than three goals and 10 marks a game, I can't see one Bomber who can stop him and he will relish the big occasion.

But the Tigers also need:

Nathan Foley
Two weeks ago, the dasher who was just pipped by Richo in last year's best-and-fairest voting, wore the Big V with distinction. Currently, Foley is top six in the AFL for contested possessions, hard-ball gets and clearances. If he maintains his standards tonight, Essendon won't win.

Richard Tambling
The much-maligned 21-year-old is finally starting to deliver. His engine is developing, enabling him to spend more time in the midfield, where he is now delivering 20-plus possession games. Being one of 72 indigenous players in the AFL, tonight's "Dreamtime" game will be special for him.

Brett Deledio
Now into his fourth season, the former No. 1 draft pick is set to show the football world just how good he is. Coach Wallace has given Deledio a varied apprenticeship by playing him all over the ground, but it is as a forward-cum-midfielder that he will shine. Strong overhead, accurate by foot and able to win his own contested ball, Deledio will be a big part of Richmond's future success.

Troy Simmonds/Nathan Brown
The return to form and fitness from the two veterans has been a major part of the Tigers' renewed competitiveness. Slowly but surely, Brown is regaining his magic inside the forward 50. He is on track for a near 50-goal season. Simmonds, while not a great top ruckman, is quite mobile and his average disposals of 17 per game is high for such a big man. Neither has missed a game in 2008 and after their wretched run with injuries, they now cherish every outing.

http://www.realfooty.com.au/news/news/no-excuses-for-blues-tigers/2008/05/23/1211183110778.html?page=fullpage#contentSwap1

[julzqld]

Oh just shut up Robert Walls.  Or go and pick on Essendon instead.

[mightytiges]

Like Rohan on 3aw just before saying we might not be able to handle being favourites and Essendon FC has a history of rising to challenges in big games  . They're hoping we lose tonight so they can go to town on us again.

[julzqld]

Walls kept saying similar stuff during last night's commentary as well.  Why is Essendon now such a protected species?

[Smokey]

Walls kept saying similar stuff during last night's commentary as well.  Why is Essendon now such a protected species?

Because they have everyone in the league bluffed that they are important.  Disloyal male appendages.  I hate them, they deserve as much support and sympathy they have shown other teams that have struggled at times.

[cub]

I don't even read what he writes or listen to him for that matter, so guess I am unillegable to comment 

And no I haven't read the first post, couldn't be bothered  again @ Walls