Spirited small defender, Steven Morris, epitomised the single-minded determination that enabled Richmond to overcome its significant challenge against West Coast at Patersons Stadium last Monday night.
Morris completely shut down dangerous Eagle small forward, Mark LeCras, in a typically tenacious display, as the Tigers triumphed by 41 points. LeCras was held goalless, and to just eight disposals in total, by the courageous Tiger back pocket.
“West Coast, over here in Perth, is always a really tough ask. I think we applied ourselves really well, we had a great week on the track, and everyone was ready to go . . . We really wanted to make a statement,” Morris told ‘Roar Vision’.
Rub shoulders with the 2013 playing list at the Hall of Fame.
“We made a focus to go out and play tough, hard footy, and did that right from the get-go. We came over here with the mission to get the four points, and we did that.
“It was fairly obvious, out there, that we were really ferocious at the footy, and I think it told.
“We had them under pressure right from the start and we were able to put a brake on them and kick straight, which was helpful as well . . .
“It’s a step in the right direction and, hopefully, we can go on from that.”
Richmond’s win on Monday night was its first against the Eagles on their home ground since Round 15, 2008.
The Tigers have now beaten them three times in 16 games all-up at Patersons Stadium, with the other occasion being in Round 5 of the 2001 season.