Grigg downplays Dan Richardson chat (Age)

[one-eyed]

Grigg downplays Richardson chat

Daniel Cherny
The Age
15th May 2016

Richmond midfielder Shaun Grigg has downplayed his much-publicised chat earlier this month with Tigers football manager Dan Richardson, claiming that it was "just a general catch-up."

Grigg spoke to Richardson after the latter said the club's recruiting strategy during the years around the inclusion of Gold Coast and Greater Western Sydney had left Richmond with a limited playing list.

"We're paying a price in the sense that we knew that that mature-age talent would get us to a point but not take us to the next level, which was always going to be the hardest part," Richardson told SEN.

Grigg - traded to the Tigers from Carlton at the end of 2010 - sought clarification from Richardson following the round six loss to Port Adelaide.

But speaking on Sunday - the day after the Tigers' last-gasp win over Sydney - Grigg echoed Richardson's sentiments, suggesting that it had been a regulation discussion.

"We talk openly all the time, speaking to Richo or anyone at the footy club," Grigg told Channel Nine.

"Players are in constant talk with footy management, or list managers all the time, so it was nothing unusual.

"It was just a general catch-up that we normally have, seeing where we're going."

Sam Lloyd's goal after the siren clinched a one-point win for Richmond, snapping the club's six-match losing streak. Grigg said that only spearhead Jack Riewoldt could rival Lloyd as a desirable candidate for a match-winning shot.

After an injury-interrupted start to the season, Brett Deledio was at his best against the Swans, amassing 34 disposals.

Grigg lauded Deledio - who was stand-in captain against Sydney in the absence of Trent Cotchin.

"Obviously he's stepping into the captain's shoes with Trent being out, and he led the team brilliantly. So it was great to see him get back to his best."

Relieved Tigers coach Damien Hardwick had earlier praised the veteran.

"Credit where credit's due, I thought our boys stood up, our captain in Brett [Deledio] tonight was outstanding and we got the result, which was a fantastic effort," Hardwick said on Saturday night.

Another Tiger to impress was maligned big man Ben Griffiths, who kicked a career-high five goals. Grigg said Griffiths had considerable upside. "He looked really dangerous. Big Griffo's at his best when he's running and jumping at the ball. He's very fit and very quick. When he plays to his strengths, he's incredible."

Teenager Daniel Rioli snared two final quarter goals, and Grigg spoke highly of the youngster.

" loved his last quarter, loved his run and carry, and obviously [he's] a very classy finisher.

"He's just going to keep getting better every game."

http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-news/richmond-midfielder-shaun-grigg-downplays-chat-with-football-manager-dan-richardson-20160515-govgir.html

[Stalin]

"We're paying a price in the sense that we knew that that mature-age talent would get us to a point but not take us to the next level, which was always going to be the hardest part," Richardson told SEN.