It’s been well documented about Dan Connors and the off field issues he has had, and the club has dealt with that in a manner in which they see fit. Dusty was given a two match ban ahead of a vital game with our injury toll stacking up. The club has made a statement (by doing so) to the players, members and the general football public that we want to be a professional outfit and require all parts to act accordingly.
A statement which may seem detrimental to the club right now, but we as a club moving forward, are about creating a professional culture. Through the 90’s and mid 2000’s there was a lot of commentary about the culture of the Richmond football club. These are issues that the club has decided to address to make the Tigers one of the competitions powerhouses. In order to do so there have had to be some sacrifices along the way.
Of late we have seen the appointment of a great coach, good president and CEO along with a successful board. There has been huge spending in the football department, recruiting and club facilities. The club has now embarked on a massive redevelopment of the Punt road oval to replicate the dimensions of Etihad stadium and to level the ground.
A professional football team needs professional facilities.
The club has recognised the need for more spending and have created great initiatives, such as the fighting tiger fund as well as the scratchies that are offered for purchase to members. All of which has raised money to make this team achieve on field success and we’re getting close.
When Damien Hardwick started at the club, he talked about building a successful team, and made it clear that it wouldn’t happen straight away and it did take quite some time before we started winning games and seeing the fruits of their effort. This season the planning that has gone into the structures and playing style of the Tigers has become evident.
There are no quick fixes for the 30 year slump we have had so when we start to talk about sustaining long term success there is no reason to take short cuts now. Hence the penalties handed down to the players had to reflect that.
Going forward this doesn’t necessarily mean that all players will be dealt with harshly, but I would imagine that when the club feels they need to make a statement they will do just that. Personally I am happy that the club has taken the hard line but like many
I am sad to lose a player like Dan Connors. He is very talented and had a big future at the club, and we will miss Dusty this weekend.
We have to make those sacrifices short term to get the long term gain, so in that vein I believe the hard line was the best for the club and the clubs future. The hard work will pay off and we need to keep in mind that we are aiming for long term success not fleeting.
Everyone at the club is doing such a wonderful job and I for one will always be a proud tiger fan. So this weekend it’s important for the fans to show solidarity to the club and get to the game, get that Tiger roar happening and support the boys. I am looking forward to this week because I reckon the boys will look to hit back hard. GO TIGERS
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