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CTV > Watch the Final Siren with Alan Richardson CTV > Watch the VFL Wrap
Collingwood’s development manager, Alan Richardson, has looked to the weekend success of the VFL side as a spur for the club.
Richardson spoke exclusively with CTV’s weekly match review show the Final Siren after the weekend which proved an erratic one for the club.
“It was a very disappointing day. In terms of going forward the players have to understand if we don’t get 22 contributors then we can be a pretty ordinary team,” Richardson said.
“Our boys at their best have shown this year not only can they match it with the better teams as per the Geelong game, but that we are capable of beating them.”
Richardson has also been working closely with VFL coach Gavin Brown, and highlighted the VFL side’s 90 point victory over the Bendigo Bombers on Sunday, as a positive to come from the weekend.
"If teams really care about their season and teammates, then they do something about it and we're looking forward to bouncing back against the Hawks" - Richardson
“That was a real positive for the footy club. There is no doubt that when we have a loss like that, on the back of the performance the week before against the Kangaroos that Mick is looking to change the team. Some guys have played well enough over the last month to now warrant selection and I think that opportunity will arise for a few.
“But it was a really good tonic for the footy club this morning to see some of our young blokes and some of our senior blokes like Josh Frasier, Brodie Holland and Ryan Lonie really put their hand up.”
Richardson highlighted the vast improvement and recovery of Chris Dawes who is coming off a knee reconstruction in late 2006. Dawes was one of the best on with 19 possessions, 12 marks and 3 goals
“Dawesy is coming along really well. It is really his first year back from a knee reconstruction. So understandably he was slower earlier in the year but he is now starting to play some good footy, puts enormous pressure on as a tall forward and is able to win his own ball in the air.
“It was a pretty tricky day out at Optus Oval against Bendigo and he put in a terrific performance.”
Richardson also pointed that there now should be some pressure on our senior midfielders with players such as Danny Stanley, John McCarthy, Sam Iles and Ryan Cook all vying for selection.
“Most of these blokes have had a taste of senior footy besides Johnny Mack (McCarthy). Obviously being a first year player, (he) played in the midfield, forward and back on the weekend.
“This is part of what we do at the VFL to expose the boys to many varied positions so Mick and the other coaches can see what to expect. They certainly have done themselves no harm in terms of opportunity to play and this has been true for probably the past month.
“Friday night is an enormous game.” Richardson stated, “We are looking forward to the opportunity. If teams really care about their season and teammates, then they do something about it and we're looking forward to bouncing back against the Hawks.”
