Finals not out of the question: Tuck
richmondfc.com.au
By Ben Broad
11:26 AM Mon 16 June, 2008
RICHMOND midfielder Shane Tuck says his side will attempt to “pinch” the four points against some of the premier teams in the competition in coming weeks as his side starts a late run towards the AFL finals.
While the Tigers’ 22-point win over Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Sunday wasn’t terribly convincing, Tuck said it would provide confidence as his team looks ahead to a more enticing draw in the remaining rounds.
Richmond has won just four matches this year, but after Sunday’s win and with several players performing well, there is renewed optimism that a late charge at September is not out of the question – starting with Saturday’s clash against Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
“In the second half of the year we play seven sides out of the top eight, so we’re hoping that we can get the job done in those ones and maybe pinch a couple of the late ones,” Tuck said.
“If we play some good footy, we might be able to scrape in there, seventh or eighth. We’ve just got to concentrate on Port Adelaide and try and get them knocked over.”
The Tigers looked set for an easy win over Melbourne after charging to a big half-time lead before the Demons roared back into contention.
Tuck admitted his side’s third quarter had “let it down”, but the positive had been the way his team had responded.
All at Tigerland had been under the microscope heading into the clash, so getting the four points was paramount not only to the Tigers’ season but to confidence levels for everyone at Punt Road.
“I think a bit of pressure brings out the best in some people,” Tuck said after the win.
“That’s just the way it is, and we had to get a bit of a spray in the media.
“Our last two weeks have been disappointing, so it was just good to come out today and have a good win.”
Tuck’s effort could not be downplayed, the 26-year-old enjoying arguably his best outing for the season to help lead Terry Wallace’s men to victory. Tuck had 26 disposals, 11 clearances and, perhaps most satisfyingly, iced the game in the dying moments with a classy goal.
“I’m very happy to get a kick,” Tuck said.
“I’ve had a pretty ordinary first half of the season, so I just want to try to get my second half right.”
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