Given Carlton’s midfield dominance in last night’s Round 1 clash at the MCG, Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was particularly pleased with the efforts of the team’s two new defenders – young AFL debutant Josh Gibcus and veteran recruit from North Melbourne, Robbie Tarrant.
Gibcus finished the match with 10 disposals, five marks, three rebound-50s, three intercepts and a team-high six one-percenters.
Tarrant had 11 disposals, with three marks, four intercepts and five one-percenters.
“Most of their goals came through their midfield. I think only one of their (key) forwards kicked one goal,” Hardwick said.
“Gibcus, I thought, played a pretty solid game tonight as a first-game player . . .
“I thought Tarrant was good. He controlled the contest pretty well.
“I just thought we were on the back foot, especially in that last quarter where the ball’s played predominantly in Carlton’s half.
“So, it was challenging. But it’s a step forward.
“Players come to a new club, it takes a little bit of time, system-wise, to understand how that goes . . .
“They’ll both just get better as the season goes on."
