Crows have to weather storm
A HIGH-pressure system is set to descend on the MCG tomorrow – and not just of the meteorological variety.
Richmond forwards will dial up the pressure tomorrow with assistant coach Justin Leppitsch forecasting a rise from the past two finals.
Leppitsch, who leads the Tigers’ forwards, said the small and speedy attack was Richmond’s biggest weapon.
“No doubt (it’s our greatest strength),” Leppitsch said.
“And if we don’t bring our pressure and our speed this week, we know what the game’s going to do. We have to bring that. We’re setting the game up to do that.
“We feel it’s a part of our strength – Dan Rioli doesn’t have to try to tackle, Dan Butler doesn’t have to try to tackle, it’s just what they naturally do.
“It’s easy to plan for but it’s hard once you’re out there.
“When the opposition backs pick up the ball, there’s no doubt they’ll be noticing a bit of extra pressure than what there’s been in the last couple of games.”
Showers are forecast at the MCG tomorrow but should clear by 2.30pm.
Leppitsch and fellow assistant coach Blake Caracella have been credited with formulating Richmond’s newlook and unique set up of smaller forwards, with Jack Riewoldt typically employed as the only tall in attack.
But Leppitsch said it came about in simple fashion as the Tigers looked to work with what they had.
“I know the external (sources) want to point credit in certain directions but ultimately it’s from guys that have been here for a long period of time ... that have held the journey together, combined with some new, fresh ideas,” he said.
“Blake’s done terrific work with his offensive ball movement – he brought a lot of stuff from Geelong.
“My part of the bargain is really just utilising what you’ve got. We’ve got a lot of small speedy forwards.”