Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is delighted with the progress of key forward Ty Vickery, after his latest return to the senior side.
After being omitted twice so far this season, and twice working his way back into the side, Vickery kicked four goals in the Tigers’ win over Brisbane last week.
Hardwick has been impressed with the 24-year-old’s ability to take on feedback, and emerge a more complete player through hard work at VFL level, and on the training track.
“He’s averaging about two goals for every game he’s played so he’s just got to maintain the consistency,” Hardwick told media in his weekly press conference at the ME Bank Centre.
“The good thing is he’s discovered the work rate he’s after. Work rate is the key for Ty, he knows that, and he’ll continue to drive it.
“The great thing about the quality of the characters we’ve got at this footy club is that they take it on board and go back and they perform, which is what we’re after. As a group they’re very resilient, they’ll continue to get better and we’ll continue to march our way up.”
Hardwick said that the playing group had been lifted by the possible return of injured duo Jake King and Chris Knights this season.
“[King] had a little bit of a setback last week with a slight calf strain so we’re hoping he gets back and plays.
“We’re probably going to push his rehab a little bit more to make sure he gets back and gives himself an opportunity to play, because he’s played two games for us for the year,” he said.
“Chris Knights is the same, he plays his first game [via the VFL] in some 13 weeks, so we’re excited with those two blokes coming back.”
In what has been a positive week at Tigerland, Jack Riewoldt it set to play his 150th game, and Alex Rance his 100th, when Richmond faces third-placed Port Adelaide at Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
Hardwick praised the key Tigers, and acknowledged how important both are to the side.
“Jack hasn’t probably kicked the goals that he would like but I think he’s leading the AFL in marks inside 50. I’m really happy with his season thus far, he’s improved once again as a player,” he said.
“Alex has had a terrific year. He’s an outstanding one-on-one player, uses the ball well the majority of the time. I’m very lucky to coach him, he’s an outstanding talent down there at full back.”
