Richmond coach Damien Hardwick believes the bye has come at just the right time for his team.

The Tigers held off a gallant challenge from AFL newcomer Greater Western Sydney in driving rain at Skoda Stadium last Saturday to square the ledger this season at six wins, six losses.

They now have a week’s break, before taking on second-placed Adelaide at AAMI Stadium in Round 14.

“Our boys have been up for a fair while . . . they’re tired,” Hardwick said.
“I don’t think a side would have played in those sort of conditions two weeks in-a-row for the last five years.

“You could see by the end, we had blokes coming off left, right and centre.  We were effectively running on empty . . .

“It’s been a big 12 weeks.  We’ve beaten three sides in the top eight and we’re just outside the top eight.

“We played a side that had a bye last week, they were revitalised, they were up and going.

“So, we’re certainly looking forward to the bye to mentally freshen up and get some players back after the bye, which is really important for us.”