Round 1 2010 – Tiger transformation will take time

Tiger Transformation Will Take Time

 

By Domenic Favata

 

Many have predicted a rough year for the tigers after a disastrous start to the 2010 season. Unlike last year, the heavy media scrutiny surrounding the Tigers was not existent; as the new look Tigers came into a season of change. A change of coach, which resulted in Damien Hardwick and a change in administration, which resulted in Brendan Gale. These two cult figures would lead the tigers on an ambitious revival, one that will see them win 3 premierships in the next ten years and a membership tally of 75,000.

 

As Richo performed his lap of honour, I was sitting in traffic on Flinders Street. As annoyed as I was, we eventually got there minutes after the game had started. We took at fantastic seats on the wing and watched a fire up Carlton burst out of the blocks. Nightmares of the 2009 game were starting to haunt me as the score line read 30-2 after 15 minutes. However, the young tigers stuck to their game plan and fought their way through. Credit to Damien Hardwick, he marshalled his troops to play a persistent brand of footy, something that would not occur 12 months ago. Among the positives were the young boys, the likes of Dustin Martin and Ben Nason showing they have what it takes to play at the highest level.

 

As you would expect, the young tiger brigade faded out in the last quarter allowing the much more experienced Blues to take control. The score line at the end read a 56 point win to the Blues. In my eyes, this year the score line will mean nothing.  Richmond will not win many games, but a new brand of footy will see them develop that consistency that all clubs are after. Seeing the development in the game plan and young players will bring a smile to my face.

 

Yes we have heard it all before, from Frawley, Wallace and co. But this time, I really believe Damien Hardwick will have the patience needed to develop this side into the powerhouse it once was. Richmond have been an overwhelming failure for the last 30 years, this is enough for people to right off Richmond. I have only been around for half that time of pain. A dramatic change to the club is needed and it has already started. The finish, well, no one knows when that will occur. Not the coach, not the ambitious CEO, not the players. The finish will take time, perseverance and patience. I’m right behind Damien Hardwick and Brendan Gale, all you other Richmond faithful out there, get on board for the ride. The ride that will experience some terrible losses, as well as some emphatic wins. This time, there are no short cuts.

 

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Comments

  1. Josh Barnstable says

    Good report Dom, bad result though. Just hang in their until Round 4 and you’ll come up against an easier opponent. Expect to see many blowout games, but I do believe Damien Hardwick IS the man to lead Richmond back into the top 8. And if he can’t, no one can.

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