Damien Hardwick says now is the time for Richmond to make their move if they are to qualify for the AFL finals and win a third successive premiership.
Richmond acknowledge they have reached a critical juncture in their quest for a premiership hat-trick as they prepare to take on St Kilda at the MCG.
A narrow defeat to fellow flag hopefuls West Coast left the Tigers sitting eighth at the conclusion of the bye rounds, just one win clear of the chasing pack.
They are also two wins and a significant percentage outside the top four but will start hot favourites against the struggling Saints.
“The whips are starting to crack, so we’ve got to get our best footy up and about,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.
“We’re hanging tough at the moment, we’re 7-6, we’re in the hunt…we’re not where we want to be and we know our best footy is certainly in front of us.
“But we’ve got to start playing at the level that we think we’re capable of.”
Star midfielder Dion Prestia’s return from a hamstring injury will be a boost against St Kilda, but key defender David Astbury (achilles) and tall forward Tom Lynch (knee) are still at least another week away.
First-choice ruckman Toby Nankervis (knee) is listed as a “medium-term” prospect.
“We’ve ebbed and flowed with the personnel that have come in and out of the side, but we think that will start to solidify from here on in,” Hardwick said.
“We look forward to those guys gelling and playing a better and more consistent brand of footy across a longer period of time.”
Friday night’s match will be the first played in front of a crowd in Melbourne since May 23 because of COVID-19 restrictions.
It will also mark the Tigers’ return to their home ground for the first time since May 7.
“It’s great to have fans back,” Hardwick said.
“We were fortunate to play in Western Australia with some fans over there but it’s good to be back at home…we love playing at the ‘G and it seems like an eternity since we’ve been here.
“It’s great to have our organisation back on the hallowed turf, so we can’t wait.”
Richmond have won six of their past seven meetings with St Kilda, including victories in Round 5 (86 points) and last year’s semi-final (31 points).
Gerry
Roar Rookie
Unfortunately I’m writing off the Eagles now. I cannot see them reddening themselves unless they give a top 8 side a real pasting. Simpson still living in the 2018 miracle. Sorry Simmo it’s high time to move on. Get your players running and tackling hard in contested ball all 4 quarters and working their backsides off to get the ball to the very talented forward line. If you can’t do that get back to drawing board. Richmond are going through a rough patch but they have a relatively comfy ride to the end of season. I expect them to be in finals but they are not going to dislodge Melbourne Brisbane Geelong or Bulldogs sorry. As per Eagles look at next year.
Gerry
Roar Rookie
How’s that serious bump?
sven
Roar Rookie
spose the tiges & weagles boys can do mad monday together after rd 23 eh larrikin
We didn’t hear much from you on Sunday after dogs got hold you it must be hard hard giving plenty s$$t too other supporters then going into hiding happy sponsor you through Kleenex :laughing:
Gerry
Roar Rookie
No chance this year mate. Some easy games coming up but Saints were supposed to be easy. I think you will make finals but going out in first game sorry the dynasty is over for this year. No chance of premiership I will say that now.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
No irony. He has you on toast in this thread.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That's if every other team in the top 6 lose every game from here on in. Almost a certainty to miss the 8. You can give up on top 4. If you can't beat the Saints with all your theoretical "stars" back, you can't beat GC or The Pies. It's a sad July for a Tiges fan. No wonder "Realist" changed his moniker.
Larrikin
Roar Rookie
Put money on the suns next week , hardwicks arrogant mob are finished
Clear as mud
Guest
Sadly home is undefined. We seem to play better just about everywhere than the MCG. Bizarre. Some will read something into that I’d just listening to Oz Crawl for some other bizarre reason and trying to work out what we can do in lockdown. Up yours, Richmond!
1dog
Roar Rookie
40 points, I had the 4 part right. The Pressure really is on now
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Richmond need to go home
.kraM
Roar Rookie
Oops
1dog
Roar Rookie
Great start to the weekend. I hope your tips are right tonight :silly:
O M
Roar Rookie
I dont think either Dow is any good Bluebags.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I actually got last nights 3 way as well but didn't include a win in that although you'd think I bet on Geelong.lol.
1dog
Roar Rookie
Again you don’t make sense. I’m glad you are well read in The Roar protocol for being a good member. So I’ll ask politely that you stop harassing me.
1dog
Roar Rookie
Now that’s what I’m talkin bout!! :thumbup: :laughing:
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Richmond to win and dusty for 25+ and a goal...GO TIGERS GO DUSTY. :laughing: :laughing:
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
You don’t want him BB.
O M
Roar Rookie
You clearly don’t read yours! Time you did us all a favour and took your own advice. :laughing: You’re so angry and aggressive….sad really.