Garry Lyon says that Richmond coach Damien Hardwick’s decision to play Steven Morris in the club’s 76 point loss to Adelaide on Sunday went against the core philosophy that has brought the Tigers success in 2017.
The 28-year-old collected only eight disposals and made six tackles in his return game from an anterior cruciate ligament knee injury sustained last year, as the Tigers conceded 16 goals to four after quarter time - offering little resistance to the dominant Crows after a promising first term.
The former Melbourne forward says the decision to play Morris over a younger Tigers player was the first team selection mistake Hardwick has made all season.
“What do we think the success of Richmond has been based on? Work rate and the introduction of young legs,” he said on SEN Breakfast.
“What we thought had held them back over the past three years was playing middle of the range players. Why did they bring Steve Morris back into that side?
“I’m not having a crack at Steve Morris so much, I’m having a crack at the philosophy. You’ve been brave and you’ve been loyal to your young kids. You’re sitting equal top of the ladder, five and zip, and you go back to Steve Morris.
“Steve Morris, if anything was part of the old problems of Richmond: a player that is going to take you to a certain level and is never going to take you any further.”
Mike Sheahan disagreed, believing a single selection does not signify a change in philosophy for Hardwick.
“He didn’t abandon his philosophy…I think there’s way too much emphasis on one change,” he said.
However both Lyon and Sheahan agree that the Tigers are still set to play finals football this year.
“The rest of the comp, apart from our big three that we have spoken about, aren’t going to separate themselves and I think with the head start of five, I think they should make the eight,” said Lyon.
“I think Richmond will definitely win two of the next four which will leave them at 7-3. You’ve got to finish in the top eight if you’re 7-3,” Sheahan said.