Dependable defender Dylan Grimes has spoken about Richmond’s growing ability to absorb opposition pressure and emerge victorious.
“I think the best thing about the last few wins is the fact they haven’t been easy wins,” Grimes told ‘Roar Vision’ in the rooms after Saturday night’s 13-point victory over Essendon in the annual ‘Dreamtime’ game.
“We’ve been challenged in all the games so far throughout, at one point or another, and I think it’s a real sign of maturity when the playing group can step up and swing the momentum back our way.
“So, I think that’s the most pleasing thing about our last few wins.
“And, to get a few in-a-row, and a few really tough games as well, is really positive.”
Richmond set up its success against Essendon with a second successive strong start.
The Tigers followed up their 3.4 to 0.3 first quarter in the 33-point victory over Port Adelaide in Round 8, with a 3.2 to 1.4 opening term on Saturday night.
“How we start games is really dependent on how well the midfield starts, and we’ve got some guys in really great form at the moment,” Grimes said.
“‘Dusty’ (Dustin Martin), ‘Cotchy’ (Trent Cotchin) and ‘Lids’ (Brett Deledio) and ‘Milesy’ (Anthony Miles), just to name a few, have been electric this first part of the year, and I think that’s really given us the opportunity to put the best foot forward in early parts of the game and really make some damage on the scoreboard.”
