Richmond Assistant Coach Steve Morris believes the current group of Tigers have an exciting opportunity to be “the cultural drivers of this footy Club moving forward”.
After bringing in eight new recruits through the 2024 Telstra AFL Draft, Richmond’s mixture of youthful exuberance and mature aged talent are laying the foundations of future success, with positive signs being shown throughout the opening three games of the season.
While Morris admits there are areas to clean up from the past two defeats to Port Adelaide and St Kilda, he is enlivened by the players’ desire to not only respond against Brisbane on Saturday, but also set the standards moving into the future.
“We probably let ourselves down against Port Adelaide and again on the weekend. We have got a group that are really hungry to bounce back,” Morris said on Richmond Media’s ‘From The Coaches’ Box’.
“We feel as though we have a real opportunity to be the cultural drivers of this footy Club moving forward and I’m really looking forward to seeing how that playing group respond this Saturday against Brisbane.”
One of those aforementioned eight draftees that has made an instant impact is defender Luke Trainor.
The Sandringham Dragons and Vic Metro product has showcased his poise, calmness and toughness across his first three games, earning praise from Morris.
“Coaching the backs I’ve got a fair bit to do with Luke Trainor,” Morris said.
“He is a really exciting player, he has clearly got the talent, but what impresses me most is his desire to get better, and he is really tough, he wants to get better.
"He wants to drive this club forward, and I’m really looking forward to seeing his progression over the course of the season.”
Two other youngsters Morris shone a spotlight on was Harry Armstrong and Sam Lalor.
“We have seen great glimpses from those young players coming in, playing their role,” Morris said.
“We speak about moments in games, Harry had a really crucial moment in Round 1 that I feel played a real role in turning the tide of the game. Saw some really good glimpses from him in the second game as well.
“Sammy Lalor has had a huge impact on our group straight away.”
The Tigers face the undefeated Lions at the MCG on Saturday at 4:15pm.
