Cat in Tigers den downplays role in resurgence
RICHMOND assistant coach Blake Caracella has downplayed the impact he has had on the Tigers since crossing to Punt Rd at the end of last year.
Caracella made the switch after seven seasons at Geelong — including the 2011 premiership — and has been responsible for Richmond’s midfield spread and ball movement in 2017.
He has been a key member of the coaching staff and many commentators have credited him with helping Richmond reach its first grand final in 35 years.
But Caracella said the credit had to go the Tigers players, who were unrelenting in the 36-point win over GWS on Saturday.
“You try to do the role you’re employed to do and I’m one of many, many things that have changed this year,” he said.
“The coaching staff has done a fantastic job and you’ve got to give all the credit to the players because from the first day of pre-season they wanted to improve.
“They were willing to listen and change the way we played, and our pressure is amazing.
“Making grand finals is always special whether you’re a player or a coach. You’re invested in the team and each other and I’ve been here 10 months and we’ve come a long way since pre-season.”
Richmond will try to break its 37-year premiership drought against Adelaide after the Crows smashed Geelong by 61 points on Friday night.
Small forward Daniel Rioli was a standout performer on Saturday with four goals, while skipper Trent Cochin was immense with 26 disposals, seven clearances and nine tackles.
Cotchin faces a nervous wait after his hit on Giants midfielder Dylan Shiel left the 24-year-old with concussion, but Caracella said the Richmond players had proven time and again they could overcome any obstacles thrown at them.
“I think one of the major things that has impressed me the most is how close the bond is with the players,” he said.
“We’ve had our knockers during the year, we lost some close early games and learnt from that and these players have got a really special bond (as a result).
“I think going back to last year they went through some pretty bad things and even the close games we lost at the start of this year was a great learning experience, and when you go through it together you develop that (bond) because you’ve been through that heartache. You can come out the other side of that and that can be really special.”
The AFL match review panel will meet today to determine Cotchin’s grand final fate.