Hardwick in the hunt for ‘dour affair’
RICHMOND does not want to engage top-of-the-ladder Adelaide in a shootout when the AFL’s No.1 attack meets the league’s stingiest defence tomorrow.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has been thrilled with his backline’s ability to “stem the flow” at stages this season, including in Melbourne’s firstquarter dominance last round.
The Crows are averaging a staggering 133 points a game and while Richmond is one of five clubs also averaging threefigure scores, Hardwick wants a “dour affair” when the undefeated clubs face off.
“We wouldn’t be hoping for a shootout. We’ve got to stop them to win,” Hardwick said yesterday.
“If you allow them to play with speed they’ll hurt you. So we’ve got to slow them down.”
The Tigers recalled concussion victim Nick Vlastuin and forgotten defender Steve Morris for omitted pair Todd Elton and Connor Menadue.
Hardwick yesterday cast doubt if Shaun Hampson would return this season after the ruckman suffered another setback with his injured back.
Hampson has been sent off site to add Pilates to his rehabilitation program.
There is also no time frame on Ben Griffiths’ return from repeat concussion injuries.
“He’ll have some testing done. We’re still very confident Ben will be available to play at some stage this year,” Hardwick said.
The Tigers are 5-0 for the first time since 1995, while the Crows have been crunched into premiership favouritism, along with GWS.
“Defensively we’ve got to be on our game, because that’s where it will be won or lost,” Hardwick said.
“It’s going to be a ground ball battle. I think we’re AFL No.1 and they’re No.2.”
Hardwick praised Toby Nankervis’s impact around the ground as the physical ruckman firms as the recruit of the season. The Tigers wanted Nankervis, 22, in the 2013 draft and were armed with pick 50 but Sydney swooped at No. 33. But they traded pick 46 for him last year, beating Western Bulldogs to his signature.
“His ability to compete around the ground, it’s like having another midfielder in there,” Hardwick said.