Richmond last week showed that they undoubtedly can compete with the top eight last week when they pushed West Coast right to the final siren.
The Tigers lost by 10 points after a pulsating final quarter which could have seen them come away with the four points had Jack Riewoldt and Brett Deledio not missed set shots in the final quarter.
Sticking to their structures and putting West Coast under considerable pressure through tackling and turnovers, the Tigers were able to put themselves in a winning position. But what held them back from winning?
It was their lack of belief. Belief that they could win the contest.
Physically Richmond are a good team- they showed that in spades last week against the Eagles with their midfield dominating especially Deledio and Cotchin who picked up 26 and 29 disposals respectively.
Richmond are physically a better team from last year. In 2011 one of the key areas Tigers were struggling was their ruck having no really well recognised ruckman. This year the issue has been addressed through the drafting of Ivan Maric.
Maric has been superb so far this season, especially coming up against the best ruck duo in the AFL in Cox and Naitanui. Richmond’s other draftees have also showed some promise in new defender Steven Morris, and Brandon Ellis who scored his first goal against last week.
What Richmond are still lacking is the mental game, having the belief that they can finish their set shots with a goal, that they can go into the marking contest and win the contested ball and most importantly have the belief that they can win the game.
Once Richmond are able to develop that belief that they can compete with the best they will be able to defeat the best and honourable losses will be no more.
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