EVERY week two Richmond
players are given the task of presenting the Tigers’ game plan for the
weekend’s upcoming clash to the rest of the playing group along with coach Terry
Wallace.
This week it’s the turn of Shane Edwards and Will Thursfield.
As the
two youngsters prepare to explain the tactics that they hope will topple Hawthorn,
18-year-old Edwards says he’s looking forward to the opportunity, but admits
that it’s not the easiest thing to do.
"I haven’t actually done it before but the players who have,
have told me that it’s pretty daunting because they have to know the game plan
back to front,” he says.
However Edwards says that not all of the players share his
apprehension about their presenting duties.
“I was talking to Jack Riewoldt and he said it was a lot of
fun, so I can’t wait to do it,” he says.
Having always admired Tigers’ club champion Matthew
Richardson when growing up, Edwards says standing in front of him and
delivering the game plan will be a little surreal.
“It’s still scary just knowing that you’re wearing the same
jumper as him. But it should be pretty fun telling him what we have to do,”
Edwards says.
Along with his presenting task, Edwards is down to attend
both pre-match and post-match press conferences. This week’s pre-match media conference was held at AFL World, where a host of Tigers’ fans turned up to see
the players speak. Edwards says that more than anything he enjoys meeting the
Tigers’ young fans.
“I’m no good at it (press conferences) but I like to think
I’m getting better every time I do it. It’s humbling to see all the kids here
to see you. It still all feels like a bit of a dream to be honest.”