This is from yesterday but wasn't on the net until later on....Richmond on notice as Damien Hardwick admits the screws will tighten Sam Edmund
Herald Sun
February 04, 2011RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick admits the "screws will tighten" on him and his players as expectations rise at Punt Rd.
Since taking on one of the toughest jobs in footy, Hardwick has overseen 22 changes to the Tigers list, instilled a harder edge and implemented a vastly different game plan at a club that hasn't played finals in a decade.
But he still expects the degree of difficulty to increase as he begins his second year in charge.
"It's no less daunting. I think in your first year as coach you probably get a little bit of leeway with the way you go," Hardwick said yesterday.
"We realise we've still got a hell of a long way to go, but we feel we've made some significant inroads thus far and we look forward to a much-improved season and we expect an improved performance from our side.
"From a list point of view, we're a lot happier (than last year) with the players we've brought in."
Seven weeks out from Round 1, Hardwick has virtually a full list at his disposal.
Forgotten midfielder Nathan Foley has finally resumed full training after ankle problems, while No. 6 draft pick Reece Conca has impressed on the track.
The only injury concern is Daniel Jackson, who is battling hamstring tendinitis, but is expected to be right for Round 1.
Hardwick said there had been obvious improvement in the standard of pre-season training with his players now fully understanding their roles and responsibilities.
"Last year, from a training point of view, there was a lot of stopping and starting and a lot of teaching and communication from the coaches to the players," he said.
"This year, the players have effectively been coaching themselves.
"The intensity of those sessions has lifted, whereas before we were a little bit sluggish because I was stopping and starting all the time.
"Now it's flowing a hell of a lot better because they've got a fair understanding of what's required of them, which has been fantastic."
http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-on-notice-as-damien-hardwick-admits-the-screws-will-tighten/story-e6frf9jf-1225999884016
