Assistant coach, midfield and offensive, Andrew McQualter, spoke to Richmond Media about the Round 3 match against Hawthorn in this week's edition of Coaches' Corner, presented by Hostplus.

Adapting to the change in training protocols 

"It can be a bit challenging with the small groups…but I think everyone’s in the same boat and we’re just happy that we have the opportunity to train at all and keep playing. It’s hard, but we’ll find a way."

Opposition getting away to a fast start two weeks in a row

"I think we’re used to playing in front of pretty big crowds and often that gets the guys’ adrenaline going early in the game. Missing that, the games feel a little bit like a practice match at times. We’re obviously not amped up enough at the start of the game so we’ll look at some things this week to try and get the guys ready to start."

The good form of Richmond’s backline

"I think we’re defending well as a team, there’s lots of good things. And it’s team defence, not just the backline. I think the whole team defence is pretty strong at the moment and our system’s good there but (there are) certainly some areas to work on with the ball."

Improving the connection through the midfield and efficiency inside 50

"I think we’re still moving the ball well from the back half. It’s just the speed and the angle at times when moving the ball, and defences have changed a little bit against us at the moment. All things we just have to adapt with and we’ll try and find some answers."

Impacts of the pressure rating dropping off

"If you look around the league at the moment, the teams that are winning have the highest pressure. Gold Coast, Collingwood, you can see that their pressure on the ball is outstanding. We’re probably slightly off in that area so that’s something we’re trying to rectify this week."

Lower tackle numbers against the Hawks and the effects of not being able to tackle at training

"Maybe (it's a factor), but I think our intent at the moment is probably not quite at the level that it needs to be. We’ll keep looking at ways to improve that and talk about that, and hopefully that will ramp up for us."

Looking forward to the dry deck at Marvel Stadium this Saturday against St Kilda

"With Marvel Stadium games, you’re guaranteed what you’re going to get with the weather, so there’s certainly no excuses there. We don’t get to play there a lot but we’re certainly looking forward to it this week."

Standout young Tigers in last week's scratch match

"The standout performers in last week’s game were Thomson Dow, he looked really good around the ball and (his) ability to win it and get out of the contest was great, and Riley Collier-Dawkins had a great game as well. I think they’re two guys in good form and hopefully they get their opportunity at some stage. Kamdyn McIntosh is in good form as well, so I think there’s some good selection challenges we’ll have as well."