Mark Williams reveals what’s going right at Richmond in 2017 after a 2016 season that went wrong

MARK Williams knows all about the Tigers. In fact, he was one of the few football experts to predict Richmond’s rise up the ladder. See what Choco saw before anyone else.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick speaks to his players. Picture: Getty Images

MARK Williams knows all about the Tigers. He worked as an assistant coach at Richmond for four years and rode all the ups and downs with Damien Hardwick.  

In an exclusive column for the Herald Sun in May, Williams detailed how the Tigers had turned things around and why he thought it was sustainable. With the Tigers now on the verge of a top three finish, catch up on what Choco saw before anyone else.

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THE last time I checked, the Richmond board was in trouble, the club had lost seven of its last nine games in 2016 and the coach killers were out in force. Damien Hardwick looked gone.

At the end of last season, those of us out of contract felt very uneasy about our futures, despite getting assurances. Experience told me that when the heat is on, it’s hard to work out who to trust. Who is jumping in the boat first and how many life jackets are there?

The Tigers’ board and management had started selling the story of a much-vaunted review that would be publicly released, making all areas of the club accountable.

So the refresh, re-set, rebuild — whatever you want to call it — was underway and even though we never heard or saw what the review discovered, remarkably those in-contract stayed and those out of contract were told to leave.

Wow, amazing analysis. Pardon the sarcasm, but it’s true.

New coaches were hired. Some old lieutenants were regained while others were new to Tigerland.

Changes are always exciting and this can become infectious throughout the club. There’s new drills, new ideas, new voices and new opportunities for players.

THEN: Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance walk off Etihad Stadium after a loss to St Kilda. Picture: Michael Klein

I was delighted to see the appointment of Xavier Clarke in a development role. In my time the club has moved quickly to recruit Aboriginal players to add much-needed flair, speed and X-factor. It makes perfect sense to also have an Aboriginal coach and mentor.

My only hope is that the new crew also ensure the playing group never miss the fun, laughter and care that former assistants Brendon Lade, Greg Mellor and my namesake Mark “Wilbur” Williams provided the list, along with Ross Smith whose tactical acumen was as good as I’ve seen.

New administrators were sourced with Dan Richardson getting help from Neil Balme.

‘Balmey’ does two things: provides the board with a hero and highly-credible executive while also bringing years of experience in the big game — the September game.

 

 

Of the onfield recruits, Toby Nankervis has been brilliant and almost Shane Mumford-like in his ability to make those around him walk taller while wreaking havoc around stoppages.

There’s now quality depth, with neither Dion Prestia or Josh Caddy dominating, but sharing the load with Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin.

I’ve also noticed that Richmond’s match committee hasn’t been blinded by first round picks and have instead kept an open-mind on rookies and perceived end-of-list talent.

The Tigers’ game style, while very similar, has thrived with the introduction of a truckload of speed, particularly in the forward line. That’s been a huge difference and I’m proud of guys like Jason Castanga, Dan Butler and Daniel Rioli.

NOW: Riewoldt hugs coach Damien Hardwick after a win over Melbourne this year. Picture: Getty Images

Forward pressure has created opposition turnovers and allowed re-entries. Martin has spent more time in the “cage” — the goalsquare — and has again been outstanding.

Leading Teams-like feedback sessions have been replaced by a less confrontational and more caring leadership program. The leadership group itself has been shaved, with only the most obvious and talented leaders now running the show.

From what I hear there’s less process and analysis, with players given less to think about and encouraged to take the game on and explore their natural talents.

Opposition homework and the general structure of play has been relaxed, the shackles are off and things have been simplified.

‘Dimma’ and the entire coaching group should be congratulated. They have been willing to listen and be open to change and the resulting environment has helped create the winning, happy team we all see.

Dimma is a really driven coach who works as hard as any I’ve seen. His most recent post-match press conference after the loss to the Western Bulldogs was one of smiles and finding positives. That would have had a ripple effect throughout the playing group and even the club.

Damien Hardwick celebrating a win with the fans. Picture: Getty Images

Fitness and medical departments are always interesting and highly scrutinised areas. There’s a constant wrestle between the science and the “feel”. Are we sheep following GPS results and an endless stream of data or do we back our gut feel?

At Richmond, it seems like there is increasing confidence in the people in charge, highlighted by things like Jack Riewoldt having 400-500 shots at goal in training. This simply wouldn’t have happened before.

The physical and psychological problems that plagued Chris Yarran and Reece McKenzie led to a high level of frustration among staff and players, who were trying to establish standards and protocols.

But while that pair were a problem, they needed help and understanding. Clubs must understand they can’t treat all players the same or expect everyone to handle AFL demands the same way. Everyone is different and different people will continue to walk through the doors at Richmond in the years to come.

This is not a bitter ex-employee having a whinge. I loved my time at Richmond and am grateful for the opportunity I had to work with all the players and staff.

I now watch with interest and I’m rapt for everyone still involved at Punt Road with how the season has started. Go Tiges and keep going.