Tigers back on the track
22 October, 2004
Tony Greenberg
richmondfc.com.au
New Richmond coach Terry Wallace cast a discerning eye over the Tigers’ first pre-season training session, at Punt Road yesterday (Thursday, October 21).
Overall, he was pleased with what he saw from the 0-4 year players who kicked off Richmond’s pre-season campaign. But he was also quick to point out there were some key areas that needed to be addressed from the outset.
“The first thing that happened was that they had their skinfolds taken, to find out where they were at, and everyone’s come back in good nick,” he said.
“With respect to on the ground, although it was only a skill-based session, I was probably a little disappointed with the skill level of the group. But I suppose that’s what you could expect first-up after a decent break.
“The concentration levels of the group is also something that really needs to improve.
“When we’re training as professional sports people, we just need to be right on our concentration levels.
“Brian Royal (new Richmond assistant coach) spoke to them about Tiger Woods and how many times he would hit a golf ball each week. Obviously, it would be thousands, but every one is hit in a professional manner.
“He’s not lackadaisical in his preparation at any stage – and we’ve got to get to that stage. Our players can’t afford to get bored with what they’re doing with repetition work because that repetition is going to get them better at their trade.
“So, it’s going to take a little bit of adjustment for them to get used to how much work – and how much repetition work – they’re going to do. But they’ll get the results at the end of the day.”
Wallace was particularly impressed with the enthusiasm and energy levels within the young playing group.
“The energy was fantastic,” he said.
“They stepped back inside after the skill development part of the program and went through their boxing, weights program and physical testing, and they were terrific in that. The atmosphere in the rooms was great and really good to be a part of.
“Our young players at this footy club are certainly setting a very, very high standard in the way that they want to go about their footy and they’re super-enthusiastic, which you would expect from young players.
“I’m just hoping that the next two waves of players that come in go about it exactly the same way.”
The 5-7 year players start their pre-season campaign next week, with the 8-plus years’ group the following week.
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