Richmond coach Damien Hardwick did not mince his words on Saturday night after Essendon rallied from three goals down early in the last quarter to win their AFL Dreamtime At The ‘G clash by a point.
Key points:
- Damien Hardwick said his team was “playing very poorly” despite leading early in the last quarter
- He said they are better than 14th on the ladder, but need to “get to work”
- The Tigers play Port Adelaide, GWS, Fremantle and St Kilda before their bye round
The 10.11 (71) to 10.10 (70) victory ended Richmond’s 13-game winning streak over the Bombers and, once again, the Tigers’ season is on a knife’s edge.
Last week’s upset win over Geelong is a distant memory, with Richmond 14th on the ladder.
“It was a horrible game by us … to give up 142 uncontested marks was just diabolical,” Hardwick said.
“We just couldn’t get the ball back, which is incredibly frustrating.
“It wasn’t helped by the fact that offensively, we just gave the ball back — 36 giveaway turnovers in the front half is just horrendous by nature.”
When it was noted that despite all that, the Tigers were still 18 points ahead early in the last quarter, Hardwick shot back with, “but playing incredibly poorly”.
“We just couldn’t fundamentally do anything overly well … we just couldn’t get anything on our terms,” he added.
“We should be better than where we’re positioned on the ladder. I have to take some responsibility for that, but as a playing group we do have to also.
“We’ve got to get to work — the season’s still alive.”
Rhyan Mansell had a shot at goal late in the game that could have sealed it for Richmond, but it went out on the full.
“He’s one of those guys who tries his backside off,” Hardwick said.
“At least he put himself in the position to have the shot on goal.”
Hardwick also revealed veteran forward Jack Riewoldt probably should not be playing, but the long-term injury to Tom Lynch means the Tigers have no choice.
“Jack’s battling his backside off … he probably shouldn’t be playing, he’s incredibly sore,” Hardwick said.
“He’s tough. He’s putting his hand up to play because I need him.
“But we need more.”
Richmond play Port Adelaide, GWS, Fremantle and St Kilda before a bye in round 15.
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AAP