Andrew McQualter speaks to Richmond Media about the Round 15 win over Fremantle in this week’s edition of Coaches Corner, presented by Hostplus.
Defensive game against Fremantle
“If you look at Fremantle all year, they have been really strong defensively, particularly the last six weeks. A lot of that is on the back of their ball movement, (it is) pretty conservative and short. It allows their defence to be strong behind the ball, so it was tough.”
Fremantle’s stoppage dominance
“The actual number of clearances can be a bit deceiving, but to lose by that much (19-38) is obviously never ideal. We want to get territory in our game rather than have to always do it from the back half.”
Trent Cotchin’s blood nose and form
“The poor bugger actually just copped a little knock at training and his nose bled again this morning. It’s a bit sore, but to be honest I think Trent’s in terrific form, I think he’s going as well as he has for any period over the last few years. I think he’s a battering ram around the ball but he’s also getting some run in his game as well, which is great to see and good for our team.”
Thomson Dow’s game
“I think he’s been really exciting in both the games he has played. On the weekend he played a bit more of a structure role for us which took him a little bit away from the footy at times, but I think you can see glimpses of what he’s going to be as a player and it’s very exciting.”
Shane Edwards’ progress
“Shane’s training really well by all reports. Sam Lonergan has done a terrific job training with him, so he’s in good shape. Hopefully, only one or two sessions to go and he’s back with us, which is awesome.
“I think he will absolutely be in the mix to play (against Adelaide in Round 18). If he is available, you would think we would pick him, he’s a pretty handy player.”
Form of Geelong’s Sam Menegola and Mitch Duncan
“They have played predominately on the wing and I think they are probably both in almost career-best form. They are very hard runners, their work rates’ high and they are great users of the footy, so they will be challenging for us, but we are looking forward to that challenge.”
Focus areas for Geelong game
“Like any game, it’s about winning contested footy and Geelong is elite at that, and they are one of the best teams in the comp - that will be our challenge. We probably got a little bit of a touch up around the ball last week, so I am excited to see how our guys respond in that area.”
