Richmond star Dustin Martin is ready to be redeployed as a weapon in the midst of the bottom after glimpses of his blistering finest towards West Coast and because the Tigers look to kickstart their stuttering season.
The three-time Norm Smith medallist was despatched to 9 centre bounces – greater than twice as many as every other recreation this season – and racked up a season-high 27 disposals and 4 tackles because the Tigers obtained again on the winner’s checklist.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick stated he was happier with the share of midfield time between his star gamers who all hit the scoreboard too, with Martin, Jacob Hopper, Tim Taranto, Shai Bolton and Dion Prestia combining for 9 targets between them, including chunk to Richmond’s offence.
That further scoring energy will probably be wanted on Friday evening as Richmond tackles reigning premiers Geelong, the best scoring crew within the AFL this season.
“I think it’s something we probably got a little bit out of whack – (last week) was probably a bit more reflective of the way we want to go,” Hardwick stated.
“I think (Martin) and Shai (Bolton) were in and out at various stages, and Dion probably was as well … what we’ve probably got is a great contingent of mids that are all good centre bounce players, we’ve just got to make sure we get the mix right at various stages to make sure they all get their fill.
“I thought (Martin) was really good, defensively he was solid, got some shots on goal too, which was important, got some reward for his hard work … hopefully he continues the form this week.”
Hardwick stated the cleaner ball use of their ahead half was the distinction from the Tigers’ irritating opening seven rounds.
“It’s probably been there, it just hasn’t been as clean. We’ve been pretty solid in two facets of the game, the contested nature of the game and the defensive nature of the game,” he stated.
“But offensively we’ve been a little bit clunky, and I probably thought from about halfway through the second quarter we started to look a bit more Richmond-like.
“We’ve had I think 15 players go through that forward half … we haven’t quite had the stability of that line intact and it does provide challenges along the way with our connection.”
He stated former captain Trent Cotchin would return towards Geelong on Friday evening after he was managed towards the Eagles, however Ivan Soldo would stay out as he battles plantar fasciitis.
Fellow ruckman Toby Nankervis was an outdoor probability to return in spherical 10, whereas Josh Gibcus’ comeback by the VFL had been delayed for no less than per week resulting from “discomfort” in his hamstring, Hardwick stated.
The Tigers coach praised co-captain Dylan Grimes’ efforts in defence this season after the 31-year-old signed a brand new deal to stay with the membership for 2024.
“Dylan’s been an outstanding contributor for our footy club and will continue for the next 12 to 18 months, which is really important,” Hardwick stated.
“He’s a premiership player and been a long-time servant of our footy club … he’s held the fort down there which has been fantastic. He’ll get better once we get a few troops around him.”
Richmond has additionally re-signed defensive pair Noah Balta and Tylar Young on new two-year offers, tying them to the membership till no less than the top of 2025.
Originally revealed as ‘The way we want to go’: Dustin Martin firmly again in Tigers midfield combine
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
