Hardwick puts heat on Tigers
RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick wants Tigers in the firing line to show their finals credentials when the reigning premiers takes on the Western Bulldogs tomorrow.
The Round 23 hitout is otherwise a consequence-free afternoon for the ladder leaders.
Richmond secured its first minor premiership in 36 years, allowing fans one last stressfree visit to the MCG this year before their September campaign begins.
The celebratory tone won’t extend to the coaching box, where Hardwick wants to see underperforming Tigers step up.
“We’ve got some guys playing really good footy at the lower level and guys that are hanging in there at the moment at AFL level,” he said.
“Once again we’re trying to find out who’s going to be the best 22.”
The Tigers were underwhelming winners in their last two visits to the MCG. An eight-point victory over Essendon and a threepoint win over Geelong a fortnight prior support Hardwick’s suggestion the Tigers are playing within themselves.
Hardwick forewarned of tough decisions for himself without a lift over the Dogs.
“I want us to play our best footy. I don’t think we’ve seen that over the last two weeks,” he said.
“We’ve been playing OK footy and getting over the line.
“A guy like Anthony Miles would probably be playing in 10 other sides. Sam Lloyd comes in and plays his role every week.
“We’re really blessed to have a great deal of talent that could quite easily come in and play AFL footy at any given stage.
“There are going to be some players that are stiff (come finals), no doubt about it, but that’s the nature of the game.”
Returning players will put the heat on fringe Tigers.
First-choice players Kane Lambert and Dan Butler are stuck on the injury list but should be fit for their qualifying final.
Trent Cotchin and fellow last-round absentee David Astbury are certain starters against the Bulldogs.
Dion Prestia is a touchand-go proposition, with Hardwick suggesting his “hamstring awareness” would require closer monitoring.
The other small matter that could be settled tomorrow is the Coleman Medal. Tigers vice-captain Jack Riewoldt (60 goals) leads the race ahead of North Melbourne’s Ben Brown (58), Sydney’s Lance Franklin (57) and Geelong’s Tom Hawkins (56).
“If he (Riewoldt) wins it that’s nice. If he doesn’t win it, I won’t lose too much sleep over it,” said Hardwick. “But he does like medals.”