Zeibel gone to Utah

[monstrum]

The team game

I've been told by our media team 'when you kick 7 goals, expect a fair few interview requests and media', so I'm sorry if you're sick of hearing from me but it's my turn for the member's email this week. Actually it was supposed to be Ziebs' edition but he has gone on holidays to Utah for a few weeks.

I've been thinking about the game against Richmond a lot and looking back, it's hit me just how intense it was. Playing at the MCG was relatively new for a lot of our guys and having the stands packed with irate Tigers' supporters adds a whole different feel. Early on, a few decisions didn't go their way and boy did they let the umpires know it. We knew Richmond was going to come out hard given the week the club had after dropping the game to the Gold Coast in Cairns. 

We too had something to prove though with a top eight spot on the line and a buildup of frustration after the Jack Ziebell tribunal outcome. I think the entire Roo camp was pretty filthy so it was great to have the opportunity to get out onto the park and let our actions do the talking.

I reckon every single one of our boys played their part in the win and in the dying stages, some true character was on display.

Like Richmond, we are a young side. But youth has nothing to do with going hard at the footy when it's your turn. We saw this with Lindsay Thomas' unbelievable smother, Leigh Adams' courageous attempt to halve the contest despite a knackered shoulder and Andrew Swallow's determination to go in and get the footy, lay a tackle and lead from the front all afternoon.

Down back, Nathan Grima, Scotty Thompson and Scott McMahon repelled countless attacks and kept Jack Riewoldt in check while Shaun Atley and Michael Firrito rebounded out of defence and ran hard to break the lines for us. Matty Campbell came on as the sub and gave us a massive lift with some important touches and a goal.

All the boys did whatever they could to get us over the line whether it be shepherding for a team-mate, blocking at a stoppage or just getting a hand in to create a Richmond mistake or turnover.

This is the best we have played and years of hard work are paying off. I think we owe it to ourselves, our supporters and the club to play finals for the first time since 2008. While we never want to get caught out looking too far ahead, I believe we need to strive for September action and continue playing this exciting, attacking, running style.

We have some more massive games coming up against Melbourne, the Bulldogs, Essendon, Collingwood and Fremantle. If we are good enough, we will make it.

Thanks for your support as always,

Drewy.