‘Really, really poor’: Frustrated Tigers coach reveals real reason behind shock loss

The reason Richmond suffered a 19-point defeat at the hands of Adelaide was obvious to Damien Hardwick immediately after Saturday’s clash and it wasn’t the lopsided free kick count.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Damien Hardwick, Senior Coach of the Tigers during the 2022 AFL Round 05 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Richmond Tigers at Adelaide Oval on April 16, 2022 In Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The reason Richmond suffered a 19-point defeat at the hands of Adelaide was obvious to Damien Hardwick immediately after Saturday’s clash and it wasn’t the lopsided free kick count.

The Tigers were on the wrong side of a 33-13 free kick tally in the 15.11 (101) to 12.10 (82) loss at Adelaide Oval that left them with a 2-3 record after five rounds.

Spurred on by key performances from Trent Cotchin, Shai Bolton and Toby Nankervis, Hardwick’s men rallied from 25 points down in the third quarter to hit the front midway through the same term.

But the Crows displayed admirable composure to see off the challenge and notch their second win of the season.

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“The reason that we lost the game is that we gave up 10.5 from stoppage,” Hardwick said.

“It’s been consistently poor this year … we’ve got to get better at the contest behind the ball.

“You give up 10 goals from stoppages … that’s really, really poor.

“We should be able to defend those better especially when we’ve got a plus-one at most stages down there. We’ve got to get better.”

When asked his thoughts on Adelaide receiving 20 more free kicks, Hardwick offered a wry smile and played a straight bat.

“I can’t answer that … why don’t you ask the question of someone (at the AFL),” the coach replied.

“I’m going to hold you to that – let’s see if you make the phone call.”

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The Tigers fell away late. (Photo by Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

Later in his post-match press conference, Hardwick conceded his side’s struggles when defending stoppages had played a part in the disparity.

“Our defenders are vulnerable at various stages if they get the ball out, but we just managed to lose contests or give away a free kick,” he said.

“The free kicks are on us.

“We gave away some too-highs and some sloppy stuff so we’ve got to get that part of our game better.”

A jubilant Matthew Nicks was surprised to learn of the uneven free kick count.

“I didn’t even know that stat … I was probably complaining as much as if it was the other way,” Nicks said.

“I didn’t realise it was plus-20 … I hope that’s because we were putting our heads over the ball and taking the game on.

“We’ll take it if we can.”

Hugo Ralphsmith was subbed out of the game in the final term with sore ribs and will undergo scans.

Originally published as ‘Really, really poor’: Frustrated Tigers coach reveals real reason behind shock loss