Richmond coach tells critics questioning Alex Rance to ‘pull their head in’

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick lashed out at the “farcical” criticism of Alex Rance, while the coach lauded a couple of his brightest young stars in Sunday’s impressive win.

Jack Higgins, Josh Caddy, Daniel Rioli and Jack Graham sing the song after beating the Cats. Pic: Getty Images

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick lashed out at the “farcical” criticism of Alex Rance’s perceived habit of staging for free kicks as the Tigers recorded consecutive wins against Geelong for the first time since 2000.

The Tigers flagged Port Adelaide’s “manhandling” of Jack Riewoldt with the AFL umpiring department last week and Hardwick was frustrated an obvious free kick to his full-forward was missed in the first quarter.

Hardwick labelled Trent Cotchin’s last quarter “special” as the Tigers captain recorded five disposals and three clearances to help the Tigers prevail by 18 points at the MCG.

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Premiership star Brandon Ellis wore a black armband as a tribute to childhood friend Eurydice Dixon, who was tragically murdered in Carlton last week.

The Tigers host Sydney at Etihad Stadium after the bye and should regain Dion Prestia, David Astbury and Bachar Houli from injury.

“The pressure was probably back to its elite level,” Hardwick said after the three-goal win.

“Adding a young kid by the name of (Daniel) Rioli, it certainly makes a difference. He had three forward 50m tackles in the first quarter, which probably sets the standard.

“There was a bit of play on the wing where Rioli ended up kicking that goal, that was an incredible piece of Richmond footy. I’ll certainly be showing the players (that).”

Rioli, 21, laid eight tackles in his first AFL game since last year’s Grand Final.

Jack Graham laid a match-high 13 tackles and Hardwick admitted he made a mistake by not playing the teenager last week.

“It was a blue on my part last week not playing him,” Hardwick said.

“Whilst he’s an OK offensive player he’s an elite defensive player.

Jack Higgins, Josh Caddy, Daniel Rioli and Jack Graham all did their bit in the Tigers’ win. Pic: Getty Images

“You look at what he brings — 13 tackles, close to 90-odd pressure points — he’s just the sort of player we love having in the side. He contributes in ways that others can’t.”

Astbury ruled himself out and Hardwick called “popular” defender Ryan Garthwaite on Saturday to tell him he would make his AFL debut and play on Geelong’s Tom Hawkins.

“He’s a David Astbury-type clone and we know we’ve certainly got a player for the future. That’s why we signed him up earlier this year,” Hardwick said.

The premiership coach predicted that, like 350-gamer Shaun Burgoyne, Shane Edwards would eventual receive the recognition he deserves.

After defending Rance earlier this month, Hardwick followed up on Sunday by saying “every player within the AFL system” had over-exaggerated for a free kick.

“Unfortunately they seem to pick on my bloke (Rance). It’s what we do — (pick on) champions,” Hardwick said.

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“Buddy Franklin over exaggerates a free kick, all of a sudden the media are all over him. Just let the guys play. Pull your heads in a bit I reckon. Seriously, just talk about the game.”

Hardwick said the Toby Nankervis-Rhys Stanley battle was even and called for more leniency after his ruckman gave away five free kicks.

“I just wish they’d let the rucks go and belt the living suitcase out of each other and then figure it out at the end,” Hardwick said.

“He’s (Nankervis) certainly looking forward to the bye.”

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