Hardwick puts heat on Tigers to claim their place

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick wants Tigers in the firing line to show their finals credentials when the AFL premiers take on Western Bulldogs on Saturday.

The round 23 game is otherwise a consequence-free afternoon for the ladder leaders.

Richmond have secured their first minor premiership in 36 years, allowing fans one last stress-free 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 on their last two visits to the MCG. An eight-point victory over Essendon and a three-point win over Geelong a fortnight prior support Hardwick’s suggestion the Tigers are playing within themselves. He 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.

“A guy like Anthony Miles would probably be playing in 10 other sides. Sam Lloyd plays his role every week.”