RICHMOND didn't play its best and was forced to win ugly against Collingwood on Thursday night, but coach Damien Hardwick says his side couldn't be in a better place after two rounds.
The Tigers are 2-0 for just the second time since 1997, with a new attacking game style and focus on defensive pressure serving them well in an impressive start to the season.
Coupled with an injury list that included only Shaun Hampson and Jack Graham ahead of Thursday night, Hardwick said the Tigers were right where they want to be after two rounds.
"We probably couldn't be in a better place at the moment," the coach said.
"It probably hasn't been a strong suit of ours ... with injury and form (early in the season).
"But our medical and fitness staff have done a wonderful job getting the guys in these sorts of positions, and the players can take a lot of credit too.
"They're starting to play some reasonable footy. We didn't play our best tonight, but we won ugly, it's a good result for us."
The Tigers' lack of injuries and intense pressure for selection was evident this week when the match committee made three unforced changes, rewarding form and calling on Jayden Short, Ben Lennon and Kane Lambert.
Sam Lloyd, Taylor Hunt and Kamdyn McIntosh made way in what could have been seen as a strong-handed reaction to one poor game from each, but Hardwick said the newfound depth made changes inevitable.
"It's fair to say those guys could have played better," the coach said.
"The great thing that we probably haven't had is the depth of performances at our VFL level.
"We're sort of forced, in a way, through their good form (to make those changes)."
The Tigers were fortunate to be only 10 points behind at half-time on Thursday night, having conceded 17 inside 50s to seven in a one-sided second term.
Collingwood was wasteful, however, booting 2.5 in the second quarter and Hardwick said he was pleased his players "flicked the switch and managed to come out on top" after the long break.
"Everyone stood up at a certain stage," he said.
"There were a couple (of standouts), I suppose you'd say Trent (Cotchin) was outstanding, I thought (Toby) Nankervis at stages as well.
"But for the other boys to stand up at really important moments, it's exciting for our fans to see that.
"Dusty (Martin) once again battled really, really hard tonight … he got great reward, that last goal he kicked was pretty special."
Tall forward Ben Griffiths is in "some doubt" for next week's clash against West Coast at the MCG after suffering concussion, but the Tigers will have a nine-day break.
