Tigers jumping to get started
RICHMOND assistant coach Justin Leppitsch knows better than most how to back up from a premiership.
A triple-premiership winner with Brisbane Lions, Leppitsch says the Tigers pre-season preparation will not be hurt by the shortened break after playing in the Grand Final.
Instead, he believes the cauldron of finals football will hold the team in good stead.
He said there would be no Western Bulldogs-style hangover at Punt Rd.
“If you ask the players, the shorter pre-season, they love it,” he told RSN.
“The experience of finals footy versus the extra month of pre-season, I think I’d take the month of finals footy.
“We don’t consider it an issue and we definitely won’t be using it as an excuse going into the season.
“We’ve looked more at our program and improving it, because if you improve the day-to-day you’ll improve overall. That’s been our focus more than stressing about what other clubs have done in the past.”
Daniel Rioli is the only injury concern for the Tigers, with the young forward in doubt for Round 1 after hurting his ankle in the Grand Final.
Leppitsch revealed Rioli was racing the clock after postseason surgery but he talked up young draftee Jack Higgins’s hopes.
“Jack was touted as a really high pick, he’s got high energy, a real busy bee,” he said.
“It’s always tough getting into a premiership team. It is tough for a young boy. It’s easier to get a game at the bottom half of the ladder.
“We’ve spent a little bit of time with all the boys just drip feeding them in. They all look like they’ve got some really good talent.
“We’re still making sure they’re right to go. You know how first-year players are like, you want to make sure their bodies are good so that when they play against men they don’t break down.”
The Tigers kick off their season with an AFLX exhibition against Sydney, GWS, Brisbane Lions, Western Bulldogs and Gold Coast at Allianz Stadium in Sydney on February 17
The JLT Community Series follows, with games against Essendon in Wangaratta on February 24 and North Melbourne at Carlton’s Ikon Park on March 7.