Richmond’s VFL program has been a success in readying the Tigers’ youngsters for AFL football, despite a worse than expected win-loss record so far in 2015, according to coach Tim Clarke.
Six Richmond-listed players have already made their AFL debut in season 2015, and others are making significant improvements at the second-tier level.
“It’s been fantastic. Because of some of the injuries to our depth players on our list, those guys have gone up and made debuts earlier than we may have thought,” Clarke told Roar Vision.
“They’re really contributing well. They’re great to work with – all of our first-year players are fantastic with their attitude.
“They turn up, they absorb all of the information we give them, they train really hard, and you’re starting to see the benefits of those players, when they make the transition into AFL.
“When I looked at the season before it started, we had a lot of excitement that was going to be coming through the VFL list.
“I think it’s been a great environment for the AFL players, when they’ve had to come and prepare themselves to play AFL footy.
“I think we’ve ticked that box with what we need to do with our VFL team.”
Richmond’s VFL team is back in action this Saturday after having the bye last weekend, and reversing a patch of poor form is top of the agenda.
After a competitive start to the season, the Tigers have lost their last four games – the last of which came against Werribee by 96 points.
“Our performances over the last three weeks haven’t been up to standard,” Clarke said.
“We were competitive, even though we lost a couple of games in the first five rounds.
“To play the type of footy we have in the last three weeks is disappointing. It’s un-Richmond like.
“Hopefully after the bye our boys can come out and play some good football, for not only the footy club, but also to put pressure on the AFL players.”
Richmond hosts Footscray in Round 10 of the VFL, this Saturday at the ME Centre, from 12.12pm.
The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7, and updates can be followed via the Richmond VFL Twitter account.
