Despite a positive outlook, Richmond coach Adem Yze does not downplay his disappointment, crediting the Tigers' loss to allowing Carlton to get an early lead.
"The first half we weren't up to standard and our players know that. We just gave them too much of a start" said Yze. "But, as a coach, when you're that far behind, all you can ask for is a response and I'm really proud of the boys' effort."
During Thursday's post game press conference, Yze focused on his teams efforts in the second half of the game, saying that the process was right, it was simply the execution where they fell short.
"We needed to match them on the inside first and, credit to our midfield, they did that. It gave us an opportunity to try and spread and beat them on the outside. When you're looking at process and system, there was green everywhere." said Yze.
This process did work, with Richmond closing the gap during the third and fourth quarters. However, it unfortunately came too late to save the Tigers who ultimately lost the game by four points.
Yze focused on the positives, pointing out Tom Lynch's many shots on goal and saying that newcomer Sam Grlj "belongs on an AFL field."
In fact Yze was so confident in both his players and his processes that he believes Richmond should have ultimately won that game.
"Last year we probably shouldn't have won the game. This year we probably should have. But we didn't," said Yze.
However, Yze was quick to reassure fans not to count Richmond out yet.
"We've got to walk out of here, get better during the week and look forward to Gold Coast in 10 days time."
