Hardwick wants Tigers to toughen up in AFL

Richmond AFL coach Damien Hardwick has never lost to Brisbane in his time at the Tigers and he doesn't want that streak to end this weekend.

Richmond Tigers coach Damien Hardwick

Damien Hardwick has ordered a full-throttle response from his Richmond team. (AAP)

Toughen up, Tigers.

That's the message from Richmond coach Damien Hardwick in the wash-up from their AFL mauling by St Kilda.

The Saints were 16 goals to the good over Hardwick's side last Saturday before settling for a stunning 67-point win over their top-eight rivals.

Hardwick has called for a fierce response on Sunday against Brisbane, telling his players to bring their mouthguards to training.

"We got beaten up around the ball," he said on Friday.

"(Mouthguards in) was the exact quote we used ... most sides pride themselves on that part of the game and we were incredibly disappointed with what we put out.

"St Kilda took it up to us in the contested nature of the game and we faltered ... it's the thing we're looking to rectify this week."

Hardwick backed up his words at the selection table, including almost-forgotten warriors among four changes.

Nick Vlastuin returns for his first game since round seven after a shoulder injury, while hardnut Anthony Miles will play his third game of the season.

Ivan Soldo and Nathan Broad have also come in, with Taylor Hunt, Sam Lloyd, Connor Menadue and Tyson Stengle all dropped.

Miles, playing 56 of 59 Richmond matches leading into this season, has found himself on the outer in 2017 with the arrival of Josh Caddy and Dion Prestia.

Hardwick said the occasion might be perfect for Miles.

"If you look at the one area we were deficient in, probably the last two weeks, it's contested ball. He's very good at that," he said.

"He's a high-character guy. He hasn't played too many games for us this year but, if he does come in, we expect him to lead from the front."

The Lions are last on the ladder but Hardwick is expecting plenty of fight from a midfield including red-hot Dayne Zorko, Tom Rockliff and Dayne Beams.

"We've got some plans in place for Dayne (Zorko)," he said.

"He changed his game up a little bit versus Geelong and still managed to kick the four goals rotating between the centre bounce and forward.

"They've got a really, really strong midfield that we'll put a bit of work into."


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Hardwick wants Tigers to toughen up in AFL | SBS News