Tigers revel in adversity
16 May 2003 AFL
By MICHAEL HORAN
IN THE face of adversity, Richmond has been the AFL success story this season. The question is, will the Tigers be able to handle prosperity?
Things couldn't be better for the Tigers as they prepare for their MCG home clash with Melbourne tomorrow night.
Injuries to marque players such as Brad Ottens and Matthew Richardson, captain Wayne Campbell, ruckman Ray Hall, midfielder Justin Blumfield and defender Ben Holland have not stopped the yellow and black winning five of their first seven games, the latest a 42-point drubbing of Essendon.
In the past two weeks, the club's membership has swelled by almost 2000 and tomorrow the Tiger faithful will rejoice in the return of Richo and Adam Houlihan.
One of the seasoned Tiger leaders, key defender Darren Gaspar, is one who has no doubt the early-season gains are more a sign of the times than a surprising happenstance of this even AFL season.
"We've had our share of injuries but we've also had 23 contributors every week," said Gaspar, a veteran of 172 games.
"We had guys stepping up. Last week it was Andrew Krakouer's turn to kick a few goals. It's been really pleasing."
With Richardson and Houlihan back to add further bite to a forward set-up that already has produced winning totals against the Bulldogs, Fremantle, St Kilda, Hawthorn and the Bombers, there is every reason to believe Richmond has a rock-solid base from which to launch a finals campaign.
Often worthy contributors fall selection victims because of the return from injury of stars, but Gaspar is certain that when your place in the side comes at a premium, the club always prospers.
"You want to have that pressure on fit players to perform. It keeps the heat on your spot and continues the pressure through training and games," he said.
"It helps everyone contribute and have a crack every week."
Gaspar cited the addition of dual Adelaide premiership player Kane Johnson as an example of how injuries have been effectively covered.
"He's such a quality player. With Cambo (Wayne Campbell) out last week, he had to take on a fair burden. He's been a terrific player and brings welcome experience to the side," Gaspar said.
"You can't underestimate that."
16 May 2003 AFL
By MICHAEL HORAN
IN THE face of adversity, Richmond has been the AFL success story this season. The question is, will the Tigers be able to handle prosperity?
Things couldn't be better for the Tigers as they prepare for their MCG home clash with Melbourne tomorrow night.
Injuries to marque players such as Brad Ottens and Matthew Richardson, captain Wayne Campbell, ruckman Ray Hall, midfielder Justin Blumfield and defender Ben Holland have not stopped the yellow and black winning five of their first seven games, the latest a 42-point drubbing of Essendon.
In the past two weeks, the club's membership has swelled by almost 2000 and tomorrow the Tiger faithful will rejoice in the return of Richo and Adam Houlihan.
One of the seasoned Tiger leaders, key defender Darren Gaspar, is one who has no doubt the early-season gains are more a sign of the times than a surprising happenstance of this even AFL season.
"We've had our share of injuries but we've also had 23 contributors every week," said Gaspar, a veteran of 172 games.
"We had guys stepping up. Last week it was Andrew Krakouer's turn to kick a few goals. It's been really pleasing."
With Richardson and Houlihan back to add further bite to a forward set-up that already has produced winning totals against the Bulldogs, Fremantle, St Kilda, Hawthorn and the Bombers, there is every reason to believe Richmond has a rock-solid base from which to launch a finals campaign.
Often worthy contributors fall selection victims because of the return from injury of stars, but Gaspar is certain that when your place in the side comes at a premium, the club always prospers.
"You want to have that pressure on fit players to perform. It keeps the heat on your spot and continues the pressure through training and games," he said.
"It helps everyone contribute and have a crack every week."
Gaspar cited the addition of dual Adelaide premiership player Kane Johnson as an example of how injuries have been effectively covered.
"He's such a quality player. With Cambo (Wayne Campbell) out last week, he had to take on a fair burden. He's been a terrific player and brings welcome experience to the side," Gaspar said.
"You can't underestimate that."
