Making the most of limited talentsRobert Walls
May 27, 2011BEING committed to anything isn't easy, because it means you have to give 100 per cent, 100 per cent of the time. Football clubs strive for that. Few achieve it. I believe Richmond, at the moment, has to be the most committed team in the AFL.
There's a lot to like about this Richmond side. The thing I like best about them, however, is the effort, drive and will coach Damien Hardwick has encouraged from them. In last week's Dreamtime game at the 'G, the Tigers wanted to win more than Essendon. A handful of Essendon players weren't prepared to give their all in courage and effort, and they were ultimately overwhelmed by a team that respects each other so much, that anything less than 100 per cent effort won't be tolerated. Just watch the way Dan Jackson, Jake King, Trent Cotchin, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt go about their business. They spend every ounce of energy they have, and that's why their fans adore them so much.
Last week, raw, inexperienced Andrew Browne was selected over regular ruckman Angus Graham. Browne has nowhere near the talents and mobility of Graham, but he got the nod. Why? I believe it's because Graham let himself and his teammates down by continually taking his eyes of the ball at centre bounces. Hardwick opted for Browne because he knew he would get 100 per cent effort, something the coach values above all else.
Evidently, Browne promised his teammates pre-game that he would give his all. And he did, against three quality Essendon ruckmen. The big Tiger contested until he dropped, which was late in the final quarter, and was covered in blood and bruises when he slumped to the bench. While his body ached he should have glowed with pride, because in front of 83,000 people he earned respect.
So what drives a player to give everything? Wanting to earn peer respect has to be high on the list. Encouragement from a respected coach another. When I played at Carlton under Ron Barassi and John Nicholls, I never wanted to let them down because of the faith they showed in me.
Being recognised and applauded by the football public can be a motivating factor. Being strong mentally is also a must. Of all the superlative efforts given by the Tigers last week, none exceeded that given by 19-year-old Dylan Grimes. In the early stages of a tense final quarter, he was so desperate to spoil what seemed a certain Essendon mark; he tore his hamstring in his successful endeavour. Grimes willed himself to be at the ball first. It was admirable stuff. But that's the standard that's been set at Tigerland.
For four seasons, plenty in the football world have sniggered at Jake King. He was considered to be a little upstart who huffed and puffed, but couldn't really play. No one laughs now. He has willed himself into becoming a very good player. He is relishing his move forward and inspires with his enthusiasm for the contest.
Alex Rance is another who was considered not up to it. Playing as a key defender, he looked out of his depth, but a starting point of unquestionable courage has been the platform for him to develop his game. He attacks the ball at speed, thrives on contest situations because he hates to be beaten, and is becoming a handy rebounder.
Like King, he could have walked away. But Rance stuck at it and his desire to succeed is being rewarded.
It's a good thing the AFL is littered with such stories; players who defied a lack of natural talent to make something of themselves.
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