The argument about whether Richmond or Melbourne are more on track with their AFL rebuilding has raged for years.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick isn’t buying into it any more, ahead of yet another game between the two clubs with their seasons at crisis point.
“It is early in the season. Some clubs have had a harder draw than others. Someone’s got to play Carlton and Collingwood (Richmond’s first two opponents) and, unfortunately, we were it,” Hardwick said on Thursday.
“Ideally, we’d love to be more than zero and two, but the Melbourne list versus Richmond list (argument) – done to death as far as we’re concerned.”
Both teams are 0-2 ahead of Saturday’s clash at the MCG, and the doom merchants are poised to swoop on and savage the losers.
While Richmond have been competitive against two likely top-eight teams, Melbourne have been shredded by Brisbane by 41 points and an impressive West Coast by 108 to open a season plagued with off-field distractions.
Hardwick is taking a glass-half-full approach to his side’s start to the season.
He believes the Tigers have only played 25 minutes of bad football against two good sides – and it’s cost them dearly.
“We’ve been in positions where the game’s up for grabs … we’re just not taking our chances when they’re presented,” Hardwick said.
“Listen, we’re improving as a footy club. Those sides both belted us last year by 70 and 100 points, so we’re bridging the gap.
“We’ve still got a fair way to go. We’re under no illusion there.
“But we feel we’re onwards and upwards. The group’s improving – the style of footy we’re playing is improving.”
Despite the bullishness, Hardwick doesn’t accept the Tigers are over the line either.
“They’ve got some areas they need to improve – as we have,” he said.
“But we understand it’s going to be a tough game.
“They’re going better than the figures suggest.”
Hardwick has earmarked either Alex Rance – excellent so far this season in defence – or youngster Dylan Grimes for the job on Melbourne forward Mitch Clark.
Clark booted five goals for the Demons in one of few bright spots against West Coast last weekend.
