Tigers aim to negate White in AFL

Port Adelaide’s Matt White can expect a working over from his old AFL team as Richmond try to score their first big scalp this season.

White moved from Punt Rd under free agency and has been one of the keys to Port’s strong season.

While Hardwick had no problems with White leaving the club, he also made it clear the speedster had been a focus in their planning for Sunday’s Etihad Stadium match.

“He’s a really good barometer for them,” Hardwick said.

“He’s exciting to watch and carries the ball really well and he’s always been a really good kick.

“He’s a player we know well – we’ll monitor him and, hopefully, negate those qualities.”

Port will start favourites, but Richmond are playing them at the right time.

The Power’s season has stalled with only one win in their past four games.

Richmond remain far from their best but, after close losses to Fremantle and Sydney, they have won two in a row for the first time this season.

It is a massive game for the Power and Hardwick says it is no less important for his team.

He pointed out that Richmond were yet to beat a side above them on the ladder this season.

“We want to finish off the year well,” he said.

“We’ve been really disappointed in our performance; disappointed for our fans.

“We’re looking forward to amending that and we’re looking forward to taking a scalp – we haven’t taken one this year.

“We’ve fallen short a couple of times.”

Tigers ruck-forward Ty Vickery, who has been in and out of the side, kicked four goals last week in his best game this season.

Hardwick said if Vickery had been allowed to stay in the senior side, he probably would have bagged 40 goals this season.

Vickery has kicked 19 goals in 10 games, but the Tigers have wanted more from him.

“Offensively, we know he can play,” Hardwick said.

“Defensively, we challenged him and he’s become better at that.

“He can still raise it another level, but … he’s discovered his workrate that he’s after.

“Workrate is the key for Ty – he knows that.”

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