An amplified aggressive attitude has been a key element in Richmond’s capacity to take on, and beat, the competition’s best teams.
The Tigers have been living up to their jungle namesakes in terms of hunting the opposition and displaying a ferocious attack on the football.
“Certainly, I think that’s been a focus of ours lately,” tenacious Tiger midfielder Anthony Miles said on SEN in the wake of the team’s impressive win against Hawthorn at the MCG last Friday night.
WATCH: All the highlights of Richmond’s Round 18 win over Hawthorn
“‘Cotch’ (captain Trent Cotchin), in the last month particularly, has really led the way in that area, as most good captains do.
“He’s certainly developing that and the troops are jumping on board with what he’s doing.
“That physical nature is something that we’re starting to pride ourselves on, I think.”
Miles also revealed how the Richmond midfielders approached the big challenge posed by their esteemed Hawthorn counterparts (Hodge, Mitchell, Lewis and co.) . . .
“They’re the best in the business, those guys, and they have been for such a long time,” Miles said.
“‘Dimma’ (coach Damien Hardwick) said, probably when some sides play them, they go into their shell a bit . . .
WATCH: Damien Hardwick’s Round 18 post-game press conference
“That was probably one of his main messages for the week, that we have to play our way, and we have to try and take it up to them.
“So, that was a focus for me as well, and I think the whole playing group, to try and stamp our authority and not be intimidated by such a great side . . .
“We’ve got so much respect for Hawthorn, as does the whole AFL world, but for that 120 minutes, you’ve got to put that aside and attack them head-on.”
