Tigers clear first hurdle, set sights on Swans
Rebecca Williams | May 26, 2008
RICHMOND forward Nathan Brown says the Tigers must start winning against teams in the top eight if they are to prove they are turning the corner.
The Tigers' 38-point win against Essendon on Saturday night was their third of the season - already equalling their season tally from last year.
Despite a third-quarter lapse that allowed the Bombers to cut a 50-point halftime deficit in half, Brown said he was encouraged by the signs the Tigers were showing.
"Our tackle pressure and our intensity around the footy has been terrific. We are the No. 1 hardball and contested football side in the competition at the moment," Brown said.
"Our pressure and our contested football are the two things that probably got us playing good football.
"We were playing good without winning games. It's good to have good form, but if it goes too long, you don't get the thrill of winning, and you need to still learn how to win.
"But now we have got to start beating sides above us. We have to start beating sides that are in the eight if we want to make the eight."
Brown's comments echoed those post-match of coach Terry Wallace, who said his group was showing signs of maturity, but the team needed to take the next step.
"Guys like Shane Edwards and Trent Cotchin getting their hands on the ball, Matty White - that's the nucleus of the future of the footy club, and that looked pretty good," Wallace said.
"The next thing is to be able to do it for four quarters, and the other factor is doing it against the better sides in the competition."
The Tigers will have the chance to test themselves next Sunday when they meet Sydney at the SCG.
"We played them in the pre-season, and as far as respect goes, you could not have any more respect for a club than Sydney. It will be a great challenge for us," Brown said.
For his own part, Brown showed signs of returning to his pre-broken leg form with three goals and 23 disposals, although his inaccuracy (four behinds) let him down.
But he is enjoying feeling fit and injury-free for the first time in three years.
"I started the year slow with the first couple of weeks, but since then it's been pretty good," Brown said.
"I was a bit crook last week and didn't do much, but it was good to play some good football (on Saturday night).
"I missed a few goals which I probably should have kicked, but you've got to take the good with the bad.
"Certainly it's a great feeling to feel injury-free. This year I feel fit for the first time in three years, so it's exciting."
Nathan Foley is another Tiger clearly enjoying his hot streak.
Foley again starred for the Tigers, earning best-on-ground honours in the Dreamtime at the 'G clash for his 32-possession game.
"It was a great honour, especially in this tribute match," Foley said.
"It's really starting to build with great crowds. So it was great to win and I'm just enjoying getting a few kicks."
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,23755438-19742,00.html
