Graham Polak’s first official hit-out with Richmond last weekend reaffirmed the Tiger coaching staff’s belief that he will be a major asset for the team this season.While Richmond’s defence didn’t operate as effectively as hoped for in last Sunday’s NAB Cup opener, assistant coach, Jade Rawlings, said Polak signalled he would be a strong addition to the Tigers’ line-up.“He’s a one-touch player and brings other players into the game with his creative handball and kicking,” Rawlings said.“He’s fitted into the Club like he’s meant to be here and he’s won the respect of his teammates and the match committee the way he’s gone about his footy. We couldn’t be happier to have him.”It was a fitter Polak, who strode out against Geelong at Skilled Stadium last Sunday, the former Docker benefiting from an intense pre-season program at Punt Road.“I’m feeling a lot fitter now compared to when I first got here. My body wasn’t used to doing the long runs but now my body has adjusted and I’m feeling fine,” he said.Polak was a recruiting coup for Richmond at the end of last year, the Club capitalising on his desire for a change of football environment.“I probably didn’t have the best couple of years there, so I thought it was time to move. They [Fremantle] were pretty keen to keep me they told me, but I was keen to move on and get a fresh start in Melbourne. Richmond was the club I wanted to be at, so I am glad to be here.”Although Polak was targetted with a view to fill the centre half-back position, the Tigers haven’t ruled out a forward-line spot for him. But Rawlings says a switch is unlikely at this stage of the season.“We know he’s got the flexibility to play forward,” Rawlings said. “However, the major focus and priority of having him at the footy club, is to play key position back and there’s no reason why that will change in the short term.”Polak is keen to concentrate on the basics this year, in order to get back his defensive ‘mojo’, which he hopes will help his new team become a genuine contender.“I reckon we’ll be right up there this year, with a young crop coming through to support the senior guys. So what I want to do is have a good year and show them what I can do, and keep improving from there.”Before signing with the Tigers, Polak met with Terry Wallace, who reassured the Sandgroper he would be joining a friendly, enthusiastic group of players.The talented key-position player said Wallace’s comments were spot on and he has been feeding off the enthusiasm around the Club since arriving at Tigerland.“It was a bit daunting having to meet new people. However, when I rocked up, I found out they were a great bunch of blokes, always looking to learn. They want to be successful this year and I want to be part of that.”
Tigers impressed with Polak
Graham Polak’s first official hit-out with Richmond last weekend reaffirmed the Tiger coaching staff’s belief that he will be a major asset for the team this se
Graham Polak’s first official hit-out with Richmond last weekend reaffirmed the Tiger coaching staff’s belief that he will be a major asset for the team this season.While Richmond’s defence didn’t operate as effectively as hoped for in last Sunday’s NAB Cup opener, assistant coach, Jade Rawlings, said Polak signalled he would be a strong addition to the Tigers’ line-up.“He’s a one-touch player and brings other players into the game with his creative handball and kicking,” Rawlings said.“He’s fitted into the Club like he’s meant to be here and he’s won the respect of his teammates and the match committee the way he’s gone about his footy. We couldn’t be happier to have him.”It was a fitter Polak, who strode out against Geelong at Skilled Stadium last Sunday, the former Docker benefiting from an intense pre-season program at Punt Road.“I’m feeling a lot fitter now compared to when I first got here. My body wasn’t used to doing the long runs but now my body has adjusted and I’m feeling fine,” he said.Polak was a recruiting coup for Richmond at the end of last year, the Club capitalising on his desire for a change of football environment.“I probably didn’t have the best couple of years there, so I thought it was time to move. They [Fremantle] were pretty keen to keep me they told me, but I was keen to move on and get a fresh start in Melbourne. Richmond was the club I wanted to be at, so I am glad to be here.”Although Polak was targetted with a view to fill the centre half-back position, the Tigers haven’t ruled out a forward-line spot for him. But Rawlings says a switch is unlikely at this stage of the season.“We know he’s got the flexibility to play forward,” Rawlings said. “However, the major focus and priority of having him at the footy club, is to play key position back and there’s no reason why that will change in the short term.”Polak is keen to concentrate on the basics this year, in order to get back his defensive ‘mojo’, which he hopes will help his new team become a genuine contender.“I reckon we’ll be right up there this year, with a young crop coming through to support the senior guys. So what I want to do is have a good year and show them what I can do, and keep improving from there.”Before signing with the Tigers, Polak met with Terry Wallace, who reassured the Sandgroper he would be joining a friendly, enthusiastic group of players.The talented key-position player said Wallace’s comments were spot on and he has been feeding off the enthusiasm around the Club since arriving at Tigerland.“It was a bit daunting having to meet new people. However, when I rocked up, I found out they were a great bunch of blokes, always looking to learn. They want to be successful this year and I want to be part of that.”
