Richmond coach Adem Yze has lauded the guidance and on-field coaching provided by the Tigers’ leaders in Saturday’s loss to the Brisbane Lions. 

On more than one occasion during the Round 4 clash, the reigning premiers threatened to kick away, but Richmond never gave in and fought until the very end in the 28-point defeat. 

The exciting young brigade of Tigers showed plenty of positive signs, and Yze explained how the in-game intelligence and direction provided by Richmond’s senior core helped the youngsters through several momentum swings. 

“I know I talk about our younger players a lot but when we are talking about momentum and helping players deal with mental mastery and staying engaged in the game and dealing with momentum swings, our leaders were terrific at that today,” Yze said.

“Nathan Broad and Nank (Toby Nankervis) and Tim Taranto, Jacob Hopper, Nick Vlastuin, their experience and guidance they’re giving our younger players out on the field is so good for a senior coach and a coaching staff. 

“We had some issues with tyring to arrest momentum in other games earlier in the year where we had to wait until halftime. Now, we are starting to see some adjustments in the middle of a quarter, which is obviously a credit to the leaders transferring that message and executing it.”

Hopper (32 disposals, eight clearances) and Taranto (29 disposals) were the Tigers’ top two leading ball winners, and they were joined in the midfield by Sam Lalor (24 disposals, two goals), who spent time through the middle of the ground in the second half. 

Yze was encouraged by Lalor’s performance in the middle, and explained the Club will balance his split of minutes between the midfield and forward line.

“Sammy got some exposure in the midfield in the last half especially, probably one of his better games, and seeing him leaning on some quality players in Lachie Neale and (Josh) Dunkley and (Hugh) McCluggage, he held his own which is nice,” Yze said.

“He is a great forward as well – his polish and execution forward of the ball, that’s the type of player he is. 

“We want him to hit the scoreboard and at the same time, he will get the exposure as a midfielder. We will try and grow that and make sure we aren’t exposing him too much too early, but we need, and we do value, what he does forward of the ball.”

Harry Armstrong, Steely Green and Seth Campbell all kicked two goals, while Luke Trainor once again showcased his poise in defence. 

Yze is hopeful the Tigers will take belief out of their efforts against the Lions, but reaffirmed the Club will remain honest when reviewing the game, with recording wins remaining a top priority. 

“We want to learn, we want to push them, and we want to try and win. We are going to be really honest with the way we review every game but at the same time, it’s growth,” Yze said.

“Harry at one stage was battling but he stayed engaged, he kept trying to fight and give us a contest, and he ends up kicking a couple in a row. We are growing that and hopefully they can get some belief with that as well. 

“Luke Trainor looked like an AFL player again and he is playing against some quality premiership players. 

“Seth Campbell, Steely Green, I get it our first-year players and our draftees from this year are getting highlighted, but we have got some boys who haven’t played 25 games yet and they’re starting to really look like quality AFL players.”

Richmond faces Fremantle next Sunday at Barossa Park as part of the AFL’s Gather Round.