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)