Richmond VFL and development coach Craig McRae provides ‘Roar Vision’ with an insight into the continued impressive development of lively, young Tiger premiership forward Jason Castagna.
His transition from defender to forward
“A couple of years ago he played in the VFL as a small defender. Then he went into the midfield and he ended up a little bit forward. But a couple of years ago he trained the whole pre-season as a forward, and he’s grabbed the opportunity.”
His main areas of focus going into this season
“His offensive stuff’s always been there . . . He can find space really well and he’s a good mark for his size. But I think he’s been more consistent with his pressure this pre-season and into the early parts of the season. I suppose when Daniel Rioli’s out someone has to step up, and I think he’s done that at this stage . . . The ability to get out and behind his opponent is also something he’s been working really hard on. And the snaps and set-shot goalkicking he’s put a lot of time into.”
His brilliant banana goal v Brisbane last Saturday
“Dan Butler kicked one the week before (against Hawthorn), and they work tirelessly on this part of their game with Jack Riewoldt. I think probably more than most in the AFL, they put time into that part of the game at the end of training. And it’s reaping rewards for both of those guys.”
His improved set-shot goalkicking routine
“He was a bit inconsistent last year trying to find what works for him. There was a couple of key elements to it, which I won’t give away, but it’s certainly (about) making that more of a habit . . . Again, he puts so much time it, and he’s getting rewarded for it.”
His pressure-packed play
“Like I said, Daniel’s out of the team, and he’s really stepped up and is probably leading the way at the moment. Certainly, it’s a big part of our game, the defensive part and our forward pressure. One thing that he does is he plays like a key (forward) at times, but with his ability to bring the ball to ground, he’s leading the way for us in that as well.”
His overall start to the year
“He’s had a great start . . . His pre-season stuff was fantastic and he’s carried that into the season.”
