G’Day Guys

With the number of players we have out,it’s gonna be a very tough
task to beat an in form Collingwood team.
Full team list below.

Well as I say if you get to one game this year,come along on Saturday.

Show Collingwood we are true supporters,which obviously we are because
we still support the Tigers.

We might lose the game but we won’t be beaten,we will stick by the Tigers
through good times and bad.

The journey has just begun,we can take it to Collingwood if we play hard contested
football,all we ask for is a committed effort.

Imagine how disapppointed you would be,if we get up there and you weren’t there
to share it with other Tiger supporters.

If we get a belting,it happens,we can enkoy a few quiet drinks,there’s always
someone worse off.

On a final note wanted to share how lucky I am to have such a great wife,
went to my first AFL Grand Final last year,loved it,so booked cheap flights,
accomodation at Cube Apartments-4 nights for this year’s Grand Final,wife
reckons I forgot to tell her.

Only real chance to get a ticket pay overs-when I told my wife the cost,
over $1000-00 she said your kidding,forget it,write off the air fares.

I get home this arvo she says go,on one condition,you can’t go next
year(exception Tigers make Grand Final-you never know) so I am
lucky to have a good wife.

My mate Ron Moss says with all the work I do should get a ticket
through the Club,just doesn’t work that way Ron and I don’t expect,anyway
you only live once.

See you Saturday afternoon guys.

Richmond ruckman Andrew Browne has been selected to play his first game of the 2010 season this weekend, and the second of his AFL career.

The 20-year-old is one of six inclusions to the Richmond team for the Round 17 clash with Collingwood on Saturday at the MCG.

Browne earned his spot in the team after several impressive performances for Coburg in the VFL.

He has been recalled along with Mitch Morton, Dean Polo, Alex Rance, Jayden Post and Ben Nason.

The Tigers were forced to make four changes, with Trent Cotchin suspended and Kel Moore, Matt White and Will Thursfield failing to recover from injuries. Richard Tambling and Ty Vickery were omitted.

Collingwood v Richmond
Saturday July 24
MCG, 2.10pm

Backs: C.Newman, L.McGuane, A.Rance
Half Backs: B.Deledio, D.Astbury, D.Connors
Centreline: M.Morton, D.Martin, S.Edwards
Half Forwards: B.Nason, A.Collins, B.Cousins
Forwards: J.Post, J.Riewoldt, D.Polo
Followers: A.Graham, S.Tuck, J.King

Interchange: R.Nahas, A.Browne, M.Farmer, J.Webberley

Emergencies: D.Gourdis, T.Taylor, R.Hicks

In: M.Morton , D.Polo , A.Rance , B.Nason , J.Post , A.Browne
Out: R.Tambling (Omitted) , K.Moore (Leg) , M.White (Leg) , W.Thursfield (Concussion) , T.Cotchin (Suspension) , T.Vickery (Omitted)

MARK MAUNDER PRESIDENT RICHMOND TIGERS SYDNEY SUPPORTERS GROUP
0410036136

Well this was it, the annual Richmond vs North trip to Melbourne with my brother and a couple of mates. My brother is a North supporter, one of my mates is a North supporter, so regardless of the outcome of the game, I am always outnumbered by the opposition at the pub afterward.

Last year, in Round 5, our Tigers notched their first win for the year against the Kangaroos and it was a dizzying experience watching us come from no-hope underdogs to victors. This year, with the Tigers running hot on five wins from six starts, they entered as favourites and expectation was high, despite the significant outs of the suspended Daniel Jackson and team talisman, Ben Griffiths (who is yet to play in a losing AFL team). Upsets were on the cards for Round 16, Geelong having been knocked off by Adelaide and the Saints having been embarrassed by Collingwood and the steady Melbourne rain was going to all but remove clean overhead marking as a feature of the game. Something I would rue, having just brought in Jack Riewoldt into my dream team.

As regularly mentioned by my North Melbourne-supporter comrades, the result of this game also meant more from a season perspective to the Kangaroos than to the Tigers, North Melbourne having to keep winning in order to keep their finals hopes alive.

Right from the opening bounce, despite the closeness of the score early and the fact that Jake King, in his 50th game, kicked the first goal, what concerned me was not the fact that we were generally behind, but rather the features of the Tigers’ play which had been so visible over the past six weeks – desire and pressure – were notably absent. And the Kangaroos were showing just the sort of desire and pressure which has had them threatening the top-8 all season.

The early going was an arm-wrestle with neither team able to string 2 consecutive goals together until Trent Cotchin laid a late hit on Kangaroo rookie Sam Wright which ended with Wright being carried off, not to return and Cotchin being reported; a report which has ended up costing our young gun midfielder 4 weeks on the sidelines. Having debated the severity of the hit with my brother and my mate at the time, I felt it was late and, finally, agreed that it was to the back of the shoulder. Perhaps it deserved weeks for what it was, but 4? Every commentator (including my North Melbourne comrades) I have heard comment on the incident sees 4 weeks as excessive.

Following Cotchin’s hit, the free-kick, 50m penalty and Brent Harvey’s subsequent goal, not only did the tide seem to turn North Melbourne’s way in terms of ball dominance, but it seemed that the match-day umpires had chosen to punish Richmond for the hit. A free-kick count which had, prior to the Cotchin hit, seemed relatively even blew out in the end to 21 to 12 in North’s favour. Whether North lifted in response to the hit or it was simply a coincidence, Richmond did not threaten to come back for the remainder of the match.

This is not to say that we lost the day due to the umpires, rather we lost the day due to that desire and that pressure remaining absent from the Tigers’ game all day and seeming to grow quarter-by-quarter in the Kangaroos’ game as they marched away to a 50-point final deficit, Richmond 7, 11, (53) to North Melbourne 15, 13, (103).

Kangaroo Andrew Swallow was the game’s best, running hard and creating opportunities for the Kangaroo forwards which the Tiger forwards, I think, would have killed for. North’s young full-back Nathan Grima performed admirably on Jumping Jack, restricting him to 3.2 from 8 kicks with the help of several other Kangaroo defenders. To Jack’s credit, however, he was very accurate with the set shots he did take – particularly considering the weather conditions. Daniel Connors and Ben Cousins were Richmond’s best, working hard, running all day, though the effectiveness of their disposal reduced their impact on the game.

Hopefully, despite being without Daniel Jackson for his final week of suspension and Trent Cotchin for his first, we can show some more of that desire and pressure from Rounds 10-15 against the Pies this Saturday.

See full article via the below link

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,27434764-5018851,00.html

Bree McAullay

Here is the latest news

Firstly it appears we were given a bum steer with the email address we were given
to voice our disapointment of no live game.

To the bloke’s credit at least he replied,said he would pass our concerns on.

Firstly is a piece from RFC website about our recruits in 2006,couldn’t agree more with the article these
guys are playing good footy,one of the reasons we are starting to have some success,
I must say our recruits this year have been pretty good.

While much has been made in the past of Richmond’s supposed shortcomings in the 2004 National Draft, the Tigers may just have hit the drafting jackpot a couple of years later.
The 2006 National Draft, which was Francis Jackson’s first as Richmond’s full-time Recruiting Manager, netted the Club Jack Riewoldt at pick 13 overall, Shane Edwards at pick 26, Daniel Connors at pick 58 and Andrew Collins at pick 73. In the 2006 Pre-season Draft, the Tigers selected Matthew White at pick five overall, while in that year’s Rookie Draft, they took Angus Graham with their first selection (pick five).
Those six players are all blossoming in 2010 under the first-year coaching guidance of Damien Hardwick . . .

Richmond will be on the lookout for a new major sponsor next year with Luxbet and Dick Smith
standing down,I am extremely confident with our form,and the steps we have taken forward we will
secure a very good sponsor.

A few changes for the game this week forced by injuries and suspension to Jacko.
Jayden Post is an inclusion and possibly another tall option up forward to support
Jack or down back with Astbury going forward.
I think it’s fair to say Jordan McMahon won’t play a Senior game for Richmond this
year,we could have got Callum Ward but traded for MCMahon.
Personally based on his form for the last 5 weeks,Jake King should stay,he has played pretty consistent footy.

Enjoy the game whenever you can watch it,I’ll be watching Fox at 7-30pm,no idea
when Seven are showing it.
Here are your live radio options,through your computer.
K-Rock
Triple M
3AW

Ben Cousins and Richard Tambling are among six inclusions for Richmond in its extended squad for Sunday’s match against North Melbourne.

The Tigers were forced to make three changes to the side which defeated Fremantle last week – Ben Griffiths and Ben Nason will miss through injury, while Daniel Jackson will serve the first of a two-week suspension.

Richmond takes on North Melbourne in the third annual Eureka Game, a tribute to the Eureka Spirit…Courage, Teamwork and Mateship.

The game is proudly presented by the City of Ballarat.

The trimmed 22-man team will be available at richmond_fc.com.au on Friday at 5pm.

Richmond v North Melbourne
Sunday April 18, MCG, 2.10pm

B: Newman, Thursfield, Astbury
HB: Tuck, Deledio, Connors
C: Webberley, Cousins, Edwards
HF: White, Riewoldt, Tambling
F: Nahas, Vickery, Collins
Foll: Graham, Cotchin, Martin
I/C (from): Moore, King, Farmer, McGuane, Post, Polo, Rance

In: Cousins, Tambling, McGuane, Post, Polo, Rance
Out: Griffiths (inj – shoulder), Nason (inj – general soreness), Jackson (suspension)

I am a very proud Richmond supporter this morning. To beat a top four side like Fremantle with one fit player on the bench after halftime was inspiring and very Brave.  Whilst we executed our skills better in the wide open spaces of the MCG against the Swans last week, last night was our most courageous win for the year.  Courageous because of the lack of personnel for two quarters, Corageous because of the disruptive build up of the week, Courageous because of how inexperienced our list is, Courageous because of the quality of side beaten.  

I take my hat off to our coaching staff.  I think with Mark Williams departing Port Adelaide yesterday they would be absolutely livid with their decision not to sign Hardwick last year. Essendon would be ruing the day they took Knights over Dimma aswell.  Their loss is definitely our gain.  Dimma is down on the boundary line riding every bump, tackle with our young players. He loves them they love him they are growing and learning together.  It is plain as day from we’re I sit that the players are playing for eachother and for the coach.  It is heartfelt, and heart warming to see that the club is united on this journey together. 

 I am really enjoying seeing our players develop so quickly. Edwards, Farmer, Nason, Cotchin, Martin, Griffiths, Astbury, Reiwoldt and even our captain Newman has improved.  His leadership over the past few weeks has been terrific. I had the pleasure of meeting a lot of our young players after the swans game. All were happy to speak with the fans and have their photos taken.  

Maybe I am getting a bit ahead of myself, but I always trust my instincts and my instincts tell me something wonderful is brewing at Tigerland.  In my 30 years of following the Tigers I have never felt that our club was in safe hands until now. I was impressed with Hardwick from the moment I heard his acceptance speach of the RFC coaching job. He is articulate, unassuming, and has natural leadership qualities.  Hardwick has an air of Sheedy about him. That air is the ability to develop kids and get the best out of them. I think he could very well be that career coach that Richmond has always needed. He could be that stability that the club has desperately searched for. If we can bring our young kids through together, with one coach like your Geelong’s and the Melbourne Storm then I think sustained success could be achievable. That 11th premiership a realisitc goal.   These kids are not the Tigers of old, but the exciting Tigers of today.  They are creating their own positive culture, learning and developing. A lot comes from working hard, playing tough team first football. I’m loving every moment of it…….EAT EM ALIVE!!!!

Bree McAullay ( Secretary STSG)

G’Day Folks

As the song says like the Tiger of Old we’re strong and we’re bold.
Richmond overcame a 33 point deficit midway through the third quarter to
record a gutsy 4 point win over the Sydney Swans.
A tremendous come from behind victory against a hardened side who rarely
give much away,so it speaks volumes for the steps forward these team has taken.

We have a young group who are evolving and embracing a game plan implemented
by Damien Hardwick which can be a blueprint for a successful era for the
Richmond Football Club.
Watching the game high up in the Ponsford Stand,you can see how the team
moves the ball,yes sometimes backwards,but it does give them the space to move the
ball upfield.

Also our zone defence allows us to prevent the opposition from bringing the ball
into our forward 50 too easily like we have done in the past,so some
great signs going forward.

But the Tigers win was just part of a great day,started with yours truly having
a run around the MCG in the Auslab Legends game,got a few touches,had a couple of
shots on goal,one courtesy of pass from Chris Naish,shaded the post,but had a great time
running around with Andrew Kellaway,Chris Naish,the Flea,Benny Gale.

Our team Auslab were winners 72-50,Sydney was also represented by Craig Smith,
ex Richmond player,who still looks extremely fit,and was outstanding through the midfield,
and Shev Shevki who kicked into me,we got a 50 for the ball being knocked out of my hand,I kicked to Andrew Kellaway,and we ended up kicking a goal which was nice.

Craig Smith lives on the Northen Beaches and hopes to get along to one of our
functions,he has 4 boys,one representing NSW in Under 15 AFL team,pity his wife
with all those boys.

So after getting through the game,up to the Ponsford Stand,where a few of the Sydney Tigers members who came down for the game were seated,I trust they enjoyed the game
as much as me.

I thought Richmond’s tackling and pressure was great all day,probably just in the third quarter,the Swans got a few guys loose and were able to build a lead,Adam Goodes
who was well held by Kelvin Moore most of the day,kicked a couple of goals.
So down by 14 points at three quarter time,the Tigers slowly clawed their way back,
with Andrew Collins,who I nicknamed twiggy,as in a twig as he is so slight,gets,knocked
out,comes back and kicks two goals on Malceski,outstanding.

The last goal with 2 minutes to go on the clock,the Tigers showed great compusure,
to hang on a win,and weren’t the Tigers army happy,a great elation at the end of the game,the Tigers song was belted out about 6 times.
The Richmond crowd was really great in sypporting the team,even up our hand where
there were most of the Swan supporters.

Some pleasing aspects of the Tigers win,9 goals from stoppages,we made 90 tackles
to Sydney’s 81,our tackling has improved dramatically.
Brett Deledio had 28 possessions after we all thought he was out for the game,Chris
Newman’s leadership inspiring,we are in good hands.
7 players had 20 possessions or more,Deldio 28,Connors 26,Astbury 21 his best game
for the year,Cousins 21(more on his conditon below)
Newman,Jackson and Moore all 20.

Jack Riewoldt 5 goals,spoke to him after the game,said you are a supesrtar,humbly he
said no I am not,Andrew Collins with 3 crucial goals.

But this was a great team effort everyone played well,and it is fantastic to see
how happy the players and Damien Hardwick aare after a win.

So a few beers with Bree at the after match function in the Harrison Room,all the players
came up,spoke to my old mate Nathan Foley,lovely bloke always has time
for you,Ty Vickery,said to say G’Day to uncle Pete,spoke to Andrew Collins,

So a great day all around.

We have Freo this wek,as an AFL lover,it was tragic to see Michael Barlow,break his leg,
he has been a great story,and to see him have such a bad injury is devastating from him,the way he was playing,I hope he can come back successfully.

The only sour note of the day,was the much loved Ben Cousins,ending up in Hospital.
Here is the latest news.
A COCKTAIL of caffeine, alcohol and sleeping pills may have caused troubled Tiger Ben Cousins’ dramatic collapse. Richmond is investigating the theory, and hopes the recovering drug addict will wake from sedation on Tuesday to explain himself.
But the club says he took no illicit drugs.
And while he may have taken multiple tablets, the club doesn’t believe he took a large number of them.
Cousins was in a stable condition in intensive care at Epworth Hospital on Monday night.
It emerged that Cousins had taken caffeine tablets before the club’s win over Sydney on Sunday, and that he had drunk several glasses of red wine that night.
He then took a number of prescribed sleeping tablets.

Let’s pray that Ben Cousins will be okay,and hopefully can make a comeback to footy
with the Tigers,where he has been outstanding,he has so much to offer.