Richmond development coach Ryan Ferguson provides ‘Roar Vision’ with an insight into the impressive progress of talented Tiger cub Patrick Naish.
Strong pre-season
“He worked really hard pre-season on his game, but also on his body. I think he put on eight kilos, which is a pretty impressive effort. But also, his ability to continue to run with the weight on was really important. He’s still looking like he’s covering the ground well, which is important.”
Good clubman
“The good thing is he works really hard, but he’s able to have a good time and bounce off the boys really well. He’s got a bit of attitude about him, in a good way.”
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On-field role
“He’s almost had a 50-50 split of wing and half-back, which is great for the flexibility in his game. He can go back and see the game and read it well. But also he can run the wing and get out and get some handball-receives. He’s a penetrating kick for us . . . he’s developed that side of his game.”
Difficult opposition match-up
“He’s hard to deal with for some of the VFL teams coming up against us. They have to worry about him now. His ball use is elite and the contested side of his game’s coming along really well, too. Sometimes on the skinny-side wing you’ve got to get in and get dirty and win some of your own ball. And he’s been good at that.”
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Improvements in his game
“His defensive running and his patterns and his ability to tackle and step into the contest has improved out of sight . . . Sometimes when you work on your deficiencies it takes away from your strengths, but he’s been able to improve both, which is outstanding.”