If it was Damien Hardwick’s largest blunder of the week, then he is having a good run.
But the Richmond coach admits he erred in enjoying Shai Bolton’s in depth highlights reel for his gamers earlier than displaying them the far much less flashy Nick Vlastuin tape.
The video session is a mid-week ritual at Punt Rd earlier than milestone matches.
Bolton (100 video games) and Vlastuin (200) are set to succeed in important marks within the Tigers’ conflict with Essendon on Saturday evening.
“I made the unfortunate mistake of showing Shai Bolton’s highlights first and then going into Nick Vlastuin,” Hardwick mentioned with a smile.
“That’s unfair on Nick. He’s a wonderful player and both have just been incredible for our footy club.”
Indigenous sensation Bolton, a Noongar man from Western Australia, aptly reaches triple figures in Sir Doug Nicholls Indigenous Round.
The silky expert 24-year-old will once more be a central determine within the annual “Dreamtime at the ‘G” function match.
“What he’s become on and off the field is an incredible tribute to him and the hard work of him and his family and also this football club,” Hardwick mentioned of the two-time premiership star.
“We’re incredibly proud and there’s no greater honour for him than playing in Sir Doug Nicholls round in the marquee game that we have.
“I’m positive he’ll play properly and extra importantly play an ideal sport that may enable us to get the outcome that we’re after.”
Vlastuin’s value to the Tigers is not measured through highlights like high marks, flashy goals and mazy runs.
Instead, the humble and tough triple-premiership defender embodies one of the mantras held in highest regard at Richmond.
“What we love about Nick is how he performs,” Hardwick mentioned.
“He’s ‘easy brilliance’ to a tee and each coach and each staff can be hoping they’ve a Nick Vlastuin or Shai Bolton of their facet each week.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
