Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has credited his on-field leaders with helping turn the team’s fortunes around due to their decision-making ability.
After a sluggish start to the season, the Tigers have won four consecutive games, on the back of a more methodical playing style.
They have shown an impressive capacity to change the tempo of their ball movement, according to the match situation, and it’s been reaping rewards for them.
Secure your seat at Homecoming, Richmond's must-see event celebrating the Club's famous history
“In basketball, they have a time-out, so they can effectively make a change mid-point. Our game is that quick these days that you’re relying enormously on your leadership group to make those decisions because, if it’s coming from the coaches box, you’re generally going to be too late,” Hardwick said on SEN.
“All credit to our guys, I think they’ve stepped up enormously in that area.
“They’re deciding when to go fast, when to go slow.
“You only look at the good sides, like Hawthorn, Fremantle – they’ve been playing that way for a number of years, and our guys are starting to understand that . . .
“The players have got, by far, the greatest grasp of what’s actually happening on the ground. And, that’s when you sort of know, I reckon, when you’re footy club’s made it in a way . . . when they’re making those changes before you can.”
