RICHMOND is preparing itself for its biggest test yet, with a clash against fellow unbeaten side Adelaide to provide a clear gauge about where the Tigers belong in the AFL's pecking order.
Spurred on by the momentum of an inspiring come-from-behind 13-point win over Melbourne on Anzac Day eve, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said his unbeaten side would face a new challenge against the League's yardstick.
Adelaide booted 153 points for the second week running against Gold Coast on Saturday, with the Crows topping the 100-point mark in every game this season.
"I must admit I turned off the Gold Coast game and then I saw they scored 150 points," Hardwick said.
"Stopping them kicking goals might be a good start, I reckon.
"But easier said than done. They're a great side."
The Tigers defeated the Crows by 19 points in the JLT Community Series and Hardwick said his side would look a few lessons out of that contest.
"They're (the Crows) by far the best side in the competition that we've seen so far. The way they attack the game and attack the contest is very good," he said.
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While Jack Riewoldt was the match-winner with six goals against Melbourne, Hardwick lauded the influence of captain Trent Cotchin despite a season-low disposal account.
Cotchin had 19 touches, including two centre clearances in the final term, but laid seven tackles and recorded 66 pressure points (awarded by Champion Data for corralling, chasing, closing and physical pressure).
Hardwick said Cotchin was spurred on by a final-quarter melee that he believes swung the game back in the Tigers' favour late in the game.
"He probably realised it wasn't his night from an offensive point of view, but from a defensive and contest point of view we were really happy with him," Hardwick said.
"That's why he's our captain – he plays incredibly well, he plays really hard and tough and leads from the front.
"We're proud to call him our skipper."
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Hardwick reserved special praise for Riewoldt, who was clearly best afield, and pointed to his work habits as the reason behind his incredible performance.
"He didn't have his kicking boots on as much as he'd like but he probably had 400-500 shots at goal (during the week)," Hardwick said.
"Those that work hard get the results.
"I thought he was terrific tonight – there was a two-on-one where he kicked that goal in the third quarter which was an important goal.
"He had a great night."
WATCH: Damien Hardwick's full post-match press conference
Hardwick was also pleased with his side's resilience and for the way they have consistently found a way to work their way back into games despite large deficits.
"Our guys have been challenged in every game we've played, even Brisbane last week came back at us and our guys responded," Hardwick said.
"I think (assistant coach) Justin Leppitsch said it best that, 'These guys don't really get fazed by the occasion too much and they just keep going'.
"And that's what they did."
