THE “BIG” AND “ARROGANT” MISTAKE RICHMOND MADE THIS SEASONBy Alex Zaia
SEN
2 July 2021Richmond’s premiership defence is on shaky ground after Thursday night’s 10-point loss to the struggling Gold Coast Suns.
Just 9327 fans attended the match at Marvel Stadium in what was a Suns home game, with crowds of 25,000 capped at Melbourne venues this weekend.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said earlier this season that he “hates” his side playing home games at Marvel, and that Tigers fans don’t come in their droves to Docklands like they do at the MCG.
Kane Cornes believes Hardwick’s comments have had a knock-on effect on the Richmond playing group and its big supporter base.
“I think it was a big, arrogant mistake… the way that they (Richmond) spoke about Marvel (Stadium) this year,” Cornes told SEN’s The Captain’s Run.
“No doubt the AFL got into the ear of Damien Hardwick and the Richmond hierarchy because quickly after they backed away pretty significantly from those comments.
“But the coach and the club – particularly the coach – sets the mood and the attitude of his players.
“Every time they speak publicly, you’ve got to be really careful because the players are listening, and it does filter through the group and the fans.
“No wonder they (fans) don’t turn up – it’s no wonder the players don’t look like they want to play there, which is amazing considering where football was outside of Victoria at this time last year.
“It should have been a blessing to play at Marvel and not have to jump on a plane.”
Richmond (7-8) could drop out of the top eight by the end of the round with Fremantle, GWS and Essendon snapping at their heels.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2021/07/02/the-big-and-arrogant-mistake-richmond-made-this-season/
