Unrelenting, intense pressure applied to opponents, such a trademark of Richmond’s success throughout recent years, was a key factor in last night’s rousing Round 4 victory over Western Bulldogs at the MCG.
The Tigers ferociously hunted the Dogs, forced turnovers, and capitalised fully on the scoreboard, running out winners by 38 points.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was delighted with the way the Tiger players were able to ramp up the pressure over the course of the four quarters against last year’s runners-up.
“It’s been there, it’s been growing. Even at stages last week we saw it against the Saints, but just weren’t able to sustain it,” Hardwick said in his post-match press conference.
“I thought our guys got to work in and around the contest, which is where it’s got to be won against the Bulldogs.
“And our ability to either win or halve the contest by stepping in was really, really important.
“I thought our guys put their hand up after the disappointing last quarter of last week and showed what Richmond footy looks like . . .
“We’ve played two bad quarters all year. Those quarters were really bad. Probably bad is a little bit of an understatement.
“But other than that, we’ve been really competitive in all quarters, and won the vast majority.
“So, the challenge for us is understanding what makes us a good footy team and continue to build on it and continue to invest in it and set the foundation moving forward.”
