The look on Richmond coach Adem Yze’s face said it all . . . immense pride as he faced the media following the team’s spirited eight-point victory over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval last night.
It was just the Tigers’ second win of the season, and their first since toppling ladder leader Sydney in Round 3.
“Just really proud of the players, and to see them get some reward for effort,” Yze said.
“The last two weeks (against Essendon and Geelong) we’ve played some good footy, just haven’t been able to finish off those games. But today our players executed over four quarters, really played with their hearts on their sleeves.
“It’s a really tough place to win over here.
“The last three weeks, since the Brisbane game, we feel like we’ve turned the corner. Our game’s in better shape . . .
“We’ve started to see some quality footy in all three phases.
“Our team defence was organised today, we looked more measured with the ball, and around stoppage we were really organised.
“We’re still a young side out there. We got some players back *Shai Bolton, Dion Prestia, Tim Taranto), which obviously helped, but we feel like our young players are growing.”
Although finals are out of Richmond’s reach this season, Yze was adamant the team remained highly motivated to perform well.
“We’ve got 100,000 members that expect us to play well every week. We’ve got a big Tiger Army that follow us through thick and thin,” Yze said.
“So, we do have a lot to play for, irrelevant of how many wins we’ve had for the season.
“It’s good for our players to understand that, and they do understand that. It’s part of our DNA.
“So, it was good to get some reward on the scoreboard today.”
Yze’s and Richmond's, attention now turn to Dustin Martin's 300th game against Hawthorn next Saturday afternoon at the MCG.
“It's a massive week for our club and it's one we want to celebrate for one of our greatest players,” Yze said.
“We'll have an amazing week leading up to it, our players will want to play well for him and make it a big occasion for him.
“We're not going to shy away from the fact we want it to be a big spectacle.”
