Tenacious Richmond midfielder Anthony Miles faced the media at Punt Road this morning, on the eve of Saturday night’s Round 8 clash with the Sydney Swans at the MCG. Here’s what Miles had to say on a variety of Tiger-related topics . . .
On the mood at Tigerland
“It certainly doesn’t feel like we’re one (win) and six (losses). The mood’s been pretty good. That’s probably a credit to our leaders and the people at our footy club that have got us up. I don’t think we’re too far away.”
On coach Damien Hardwick’s strong support
“He’s copped a fair bit of criticism of late, but, ultimately, it’s the playing group that’s been letting the Club down. So, for him to back us like he has, it certainly gives us a huge amount of confidence.”
On the Sydney Swans challenge
“Their midfield and their whole side are in pretty good form. They’re a terrific side, so it’s going to be a huge test for us . . . They’ve got three players in the top six for contested possessions in the league. So they’re absolutely star-studded there.”
On the return of Alex Rance
“He’s an amazing defender and he’s great for our group . . . a tremendous leader. So, it’s only going to strengthen our side, I think.”
On Rance’s duel with ‘Buddy’ Franklin
“It’s pretty exciting for viewers . . . probably the in-form forward of the game, the best forward, and arguably the best defender going around as well at the moment. So it’s going to be a great contest.”
On injured captain Trent Cotchin
“He’s been exceptional. I know it absolutely kills him not to be able to pull on the Richmond jumper. For him to still be upbeat and encouraging our young ‘mids’, has just been great. Probably for him, it’s going to be tough for him to play with an injury like that, the way that he cracks in and the way that he goes about his footy. So another week (on the sidelines) is probably not a bad thing.”
On his own form in 2016
“My own form’s probably been similar to the side. It’s been up and down. I’m looking forward to trying to put a few good games together and hopefully getting the season back on track.”
