Dependable Richmond defender Dylan Grimes anticipates there will be a greater focus on team bonding throughout the Tigers’ week-long, pre-season camp in the far north Queensland seaside village of Palm Cove.
“We’ve got a lot of young kids this year, so I think there’ll be a lot of team-building activities . . . get everyone really tight-knit before the proper pre-season comes back after Christmas,” Grimes told ‘Roar Vision’ on day one of the camp.
“This is a good opportunity for the young players to come out of their shell and really get to know a lot of the older players.
“It’s the first real opportunity we have to really see them get comfortable in the footy environment and let their hair down a bit and get stuck into training . . .
“Personally, it’s a good opportunity for me to work on my leadership skills, being surrounded with a lot of young guys this year . . . a lot of new faces in the backline as well.
“Really looking to have some fun and get stuck into camp.”
Grimes, who has played 63 games in six seasons at Richmond (37 of those during the past two years, after overcoming a horror injury run), also envisages the Palm Cove pre-season camp will bring out the competitive juices in the Tigers’ playing group.
“There’s a lot of competition for spots this year, given that we’ve brought some really good talent into the club . . . some good players from other clubs as well,” he said.
“This is the first opportunity to pin the ears back and really lock horns and fight for that position . . .
“‘Dimma’ (coach Damien Hardwick) is big on competing, and that’s where we’re at, at this stage.
“Everyone’s fighting for a spot for Round 1, and there’s certainly a few up for grabs.
“It’s going to be really exciting to see what some of the young guys can produce.”
