DAMIEN Hardwick says Richmond has only revealed part of the iceberg when it came to the depth on the club's list and, despite going down to the Western Bulldogs, the coach felt vindicated watching the Tigers' youngsters shine at Etihad Stadium.
The Tigers took the fight to the finals-bound Bulldogs, winning contested ball (133-126) and leading at the 20-minute mark of the final term before going down by 10 points on Saturday night.
It was a much-improved effort from last Friday night's season-ending loss to Port Adelaide and, after making five changes, Hardwick was impressed by the debutant Oleg Markov and Jason Castagna.
"We've known we've had those guys for a while," Hardwick said post-match.
"I thought 'Costanza' (Castagna) was pretty good and Oleg Markov for his first game looked incredibly impressive off half-back, his run and dash and his ability to kick the ball.
"A pleasing thing for us was we had another couple of players stand up for us at VFL level as well.
"So while we're disappointed where we are, we're also really encouraged to see the signs of those young players stepping through.
"The thing they've got to do now is do that week-in and week-out."
Castagna kicked two impressive goals from 19 touches, while Liam McBean booted the first major of his three-game career in the frantic final term.
Hardwick promised the big man – who came in for out-of-form forward Ty Vickery – would hold his spot and have a shot at building on his six-possession game after hanging back from marking attempts early.
"There was a couple of instances in the third quarter when he started to jump at the ball and created a couple of goals through his ability to compete," Hardwick said.
"He'll only get better for the run. He'll play next week and the week after and then we'll make an assessment from that."
Markov (18 disposals) was scintillating with his dash off half-back and precise ball use, with the son of former world champion pole vaulter Dmitri looking like a steal at pick 50 in last year's draft, not that Hardwick was surprised with his composed effort.
"He looks a really good player, he's quick, he's agile, he can mark above his head, he wins contested ball. Our recruiting team have done a good job," he said.
Hardwick heaped praise on the physicality of star Dustin Martin (38 disposals) and skipper Trent Cotchin (28, one goal) after they almost inspired the Tigers to an upset triumph.
"It's where him and Trent have taken a step forward. They've always been pretty good ball players but the physicality of those two boys, they're leading from the front," he said.
Hardwick admitted a crucial 50m penalty paid against Reece Conca, which cost a goal to Marcus Bontempelli in the last term, was the right call, but lamented the original holding the ball decision and suggested players copy NRL players' rocking motion.
"The 50m was probably there I thought, I thought the free kick against Reece was pretty stiff," he said.
"I think we've got to start taking the NRL to task and start doing the worm, just get that ridiculous rocking motion going to avoid the free kick.
"I just wish they would be a little bit quicker on the whistle at stages. The players are waiting on the whistle, then they're waiting and all of a sudden it's a free kick and then it's 50m, so I don't know."
