Tigers still on prowl

RICHMOND say they remain the hunters rather than hunted as they look to open their AFL premiership defence with a win over Carlton tonight at the MCG.

While rivals will be after their mantle as the competition’s best, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick says his team will continue to play the game on their own terms.

“Defensively, we’re very strong, we hunt the opposition, we stalk the opposition and we hunt and that’s the way we play,” Hardwick said.

“Other clubs will come at us but the reality is we control how we want to be seen.”

Carlton young gun Patrick Cripps has a target on his back after his starring performance during the Blues’ pre-season.

The star onballer, having missed half of 2017 with a broken leg, has taken his game to a new level, rotating forward in the Blues’ attack.

“They’ve got a real weapon with Patrick and his ability to push a little bit forward as well,” Hardwick said.

“We’ve got some great defenders, who will be able to manage him as best they can.”