Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has pledged to leave nothing in the tank as his side chases the most unlikely of finals appearances against Sydney next Saturday.
After Richmond’s 26-point win over St Kilda, Hardwick finds his side in the eight for the first time all season.
The Tigers’ much-discussed winning streak started with a win over the Saints and their eighth victory on the trot also came against Alan Richardson’s side on Sunday night.
Now he must lead his side against the last team to beat the Tigers.
In round 14, the Tigers came out of the blocks well against the Swans, but were reeled in on a slippery MCG to lose by 11 points.
“They did what Sydney do, they grind it out and managed to get over the line,” Hardwick said.
“It could have gone either way right down to the end… it’s going to be a great challenge.
“This is a finals game this week, most people will say it starts the week after but for us it’s as good as.”
Hardwick said “you’ve got to dare to be bold” and offered to back his players at full confidence.
“We’ll continue to play that way – sometimes it will come off, sometimes it won’t – but that’s when we play our best footy.”
Hardwick’s mind is already in Sydney, accidentally throwing in a reference to the Swans when he meant to say St Kilda, and it’s clear his players are thinking about it too.
Jake Batchelor had more touches (22) than he’s had for two seasons against St Kilda and said he was raring for the fight.
“What better way to get into the finals than by beating the best team,” he said.
“We’d rather do it off our own bat then wait to see what other sides do, it’s a big, big game.”
Beaten coach Richardson backed the Tigers to win a final if they made the eight.
“I think they’re a chance to really do some damage if they get there… they’ve got as good a midfield as any other group going around,” he said.
With no added injury concerns from Sunday’s match, Hardwick has the luxury of keeping a settled side or bringing in fresh faces.
Dustin Martin is a certainty to return after being rested with hamstring tightness, while Ty Vickery’s suspension for punching Dean Cox will expire.
Hardwick said a key question would be whether to retain Ben Griffiths with Vickery, alongside six-goal star Jack Riewoldt, or play all three.
“(Vickery has) been training the house down, we’ve got to see whether we can fit all three in because they’re a big side Sydney,” he said.
Daniel Jackson will also be considered after two weeks in the VFL
Chris Newman will be fit to play, handed the substitute vest in the third term to keep him fresh.
The one concern could be Nathan Gordon who looked to have caught Cameron Shenton high with a bump in the third term.
RICHMOND’S ROAR: THE EIGHT WINS THAT HAVE THE TIGERS EIGHTH
R15 – St Kilda by 44 points at Etihad
R16 – Brisbane by 25 points at MCG
R17 – Port Adelaide by 20 at Etihad
R18 – West Coast by 17 at Patersons
R19 – GWS Giants by 27 at MCG
R20 – Essendon at 18 at MCG
R21 – Adelaide by 10 at Adelaide Oval
R22 – St Kilda by 26 at MCG
Bosk
Roar Rookie
Extraordinarily doubtful the Swans will play it safe. Form is dreadfully important heading into a finals series as even as this one is shaping up to be. Nah, I expect the Tigers to get absolutely smashed.
joe b
Guest
IF the tigers are level with swans at halftime, I think the swans will just play it safe for the rest of the game. This game, in terms of ladder position, means nothing to the swans... they will be competitive for the first half, so richmond really does have the best opportunity to win this game. But they will probably choke.
Jake
Guest
They've beaten nobody in the 7 win- run, this is all talk, they will play a conservative game. If they do manage to play a bold, take it on game only two scenarios will happen, The game plan works, they loose by 20 Or the plan fails and they loose by 160. Richmond are masters at doing enough to get the members for next year, which is basically finish. 9th with a head of steam
Milo
Guest
Tigers beat the Swans and Hawks in 2012 (the ulitimate grand finalists) and the Hawks and the Dockers in 2013 (ditto). Dunno about the momentum into next season thing. Doesnt always work out that way. Btw, if in the unlikely event the tigers win,they WILL make the eight. Theyd be a game clear of Adelaide & WCE and significant percentage ahead of Collingwood (even if magpies could pull off an unlikely win against Hawthorn). So no reliance on any other results anymore...
Jason K
Guest
I think it will be a great game won by the Swans. But what I really see Richmond going for is momentum into next year. If they do win, yet don't manage the top 8, it will still stand greatly as a motivator going into 2015. Put it this way, if Richmond beats Swans and Swans go on to win the the premiership, the Tiges will go into next season able to boast of defeating the top team. Should give them good energy.
Bosk
Roar Rookie
Richmond won't fire a shot. If history has taught us anything its that this clubs always goes to water when there's something to play for.
Michael huston
Guest
I'm already over Richmond and it's not even mid-week. Let's be honest, they're not going to get anywhere even if they won this week. Will just mean fifth place gets an easier opponent than say Adelaide or West Coast. But good luck to them, they've earned it.