Richmond recruit Chris Knights. Picture: Stuart Walmsley. Source: Herald Sun
TIGERS fans might have another reason to love Ivan Maric - he was a key reason why Chris Knights quit Adelaide for Richmond.
Knights admitted yesterday that Maric, whom he had played with at the Crows, had given a glowing assessment of the Tigers' culture and playing list.
"Ivan moved last year, so he spoke to me about the inner sanctum of the (Richmond) football club, the brand they are creating, and the direction the players and the club are headed in," Knights said after his first time-trial with the Tigers yesterday.
"I suppose most of all it is the culture of the club, which is being led by 'Dimma' (coach Damien Hardwick) and the leadership group, and the players are really embracing that.
"Richmond seems to be on the right track and definitely leading the way in terms of how they are going about it."
Knights, 26, managed only five senior games with Adelaide this year to take his career tally to 96 after a few niggling injuries and being overlooked in selection gave him limited game time.
But on his best form Knights can make a real impact with the Tigers and he has just had his first post-season surgery-free period for a number of years.
"I didn't get much of a run last year, which was pretty frustrating for me," he said.
"The team was playing well and I got off to a slow start with a few injuries.
"They (Adelaide) understood I needed to do what was best for me in making sure I played senior games. (And) free agency meant I was able to move (clubs) really pain free.
"Nothing is guaranteed (at Richmond), but hopefully I can put in a good pre-season and put my claim forward."
Yesterday's time-trial was won by Brandon Ellis, who appears to have bulked up yet retained his pace, with Daniel Jackson and Matt Arnot also in the placings.
There were a few absentees from the 7am Princes Park time-trial.
Chris Newman is not due back until next week, while Jack Riewoldt (hip clean-up), Nathan Foley (achilles surgery), Jake King (numerous surgeries) and former Port Adelaide backman Troy Chaplin (knee) are in the rehabilitation group. Dustin Martin, who the club is counselling in terms of his off-field behaviour, took part in the time-trial and looks leaner than he has in past seasons.
Knights, who was drafted to the Crows in late 2004, said the temptation to return to Victoria was always there.
"Being an interstate boy (from Vermont), you always think about coming home," he said.
"I really enjoyed my time in Adelaide, but it was always in mind to play football in Victoria and come back to my family and friends."
"I am feeling really good at the moment.
"I think when you get to this age, you feel comfortable with the expectation and pressure (of play- ing AFL).
"You know what you have to focus on.
"But the game is always evolving. You may feel you are in your prime, but you have to keep working hard because everyone is trying to take your spot."
Anda sedang membaca artikel tentang
Happy homecoming for Chris Knights
Dengan url
http://semangatboss.blogspot.com/2012/11/happy-homecoming-for-chris-knights.html
Anda boleh menyebar luaskannya atau mengcopy paste-nya
Happy homecoming for Chris Knights
namun jangan lupa untuk meletakkan link
Happy homecoming for Chris Knights
sebagai sumbernya
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar