Richmond VFL coach Tim Clarke has made no excuses for his side’s disappointing Round 1 performance, and will focus on rectifying areas of the Tigers’ game ahead of the clash with former affiliate Coburg this Sunday.
Clarke said that the Tigers must improve their decision-making and win their positions this weekend - a key area that let them down against Footscray.
Injuries to senior players saw ruckman Orren Stephenson and midfielder Nathan Gordon elevated to the AFL team, however Clarke believes losing players is expected, and was no excuse.
“Given that our senior team lost Brett and Shaun to injuries, that obviously takes away our ruckman and one of our key midfielders, but that’s going to happen in football,” Clarke told Roar Vision.
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“That’s why we have a standalone side and we’ve recruited players, so if we lose guys we can replace them with guys that are more than capable.”
Despite the late changes, Clarke said that strong performances from the side’s AFL-listed players - particularly Todd Elton - were encouraging.
“Toddy Elton probably played the best game he’s played this year. He was outstanding in the ruck in Orren’s absence,” he said.
“Matty Arnot was very good and will push hard for senior selection this week.
“Milesy (Anthony Miles) was very good again. He had 28 or 29 touches and eight or nine clearances, so he’s leading the way inside.”
AFL-listed defender Jake Batchelor is unavailable for selection this week after he accepted a one-match suspension for rough conduct against the Bulldogs, while Ben Darrou will challenge a striking charge at tribunal this week.
Clarke expects Coburg to come out firing in the first meeting between the previously aligned clubs, but is confident that his side can deliver its first win of the season.
“I went and watched them a couple of weeks ago when they played Port Melbourne, and they were really competitive up until three-quarter time,” he said.
“They’re a competitive team and they play a good brand of footy when they get up and going, so it’ll be a good contest.
“I feel that we’re a more talented bunch of players … we’ve got to go out there and put a score on the board early and if we can do that, put them under pressure, it’ll go a long way to winning the game.”
Round 2 VFL Match:
Coburg v Richmond
2:00pm, Sunday, April 13
Coburg City Oval, 23 Harding Street, Coburg
Entry: $5.00 2014 Richmond members
$10.00 General admission (non-members)
