Richmond is preparing for a barrage of intense pressure from the Western Bulldogs in their Round 2 clash at the MCG this Saturday.
The Tigers’ coaching staff have studied the Bulldogs over the past few weeks, and they’ve been impressed with what they’ve seen.
The Dogs defeated West Coast by 10 points in their Round 1 encounter at Etihad Stadium last Saturday.
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“Their pressure has been outstanding. Their forward 50 tackling – I think they had 23 or 24 tackles inside 50 last week, and they have a lot of stoppages in that area,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick told the media at the ME Bank Centre on Thursday.
“They probably showed, even last year, their ability to win contested ball, to tackle, to pressure the opposition . . . it has gone up a notch again.
“They’re a really impressive side. They’ve got some fantastic young talent. It’s going to be a really good game, so we’re looking forward to all our fans getting behind us, and making sure they drive us to a win.
“We’re a good contested side also, so it’s a matter of absorbing that pressure and getting the ball on the outside.
“It’s easier said than done against a side that comes in waves of defensive pressure. It’s going to be a tough game.”
