Former Richmond assistant coach Mark Williams has laid down the gauntlet to the Tiger Army ahead of Friday night’s qualifying final blockbuster against Geelong at the MCG.
Over 95,000 fans are expected to pack the MCG for the huge clash, with a large percentage likely to be urging Damien Hardwick’s men on.
Williams told SEN Afternoons that the Richmond crowd can play a huge role in the way the game is played.
“Having sat on the bench for four years down there, you’re pathetic!” he said in response to a caller talking about how the Tigers will break down the Cats.
“When the game is close or the game is lopsided Richmond’s way, everyone sits there quietly and calmly and doesn’t encourage and doesn’t want to put yourself on the edge to rev your side up.
“Having been in the prodigal state of South Australia, I know what its worth and Richmond should really use it.
“So get off your bums, open your mouths and get the team rocking and rolling – when it’s the start of the game, when it’s a little quiet, when your one goal down or two goals down or five goals down.
“Get the chant going and get the players on the move again.”
When coaching Port Adelaide, Williams famously used to take his players over to the outer side of AAMI Stadium for the three-quarter-time huddle when he felt they needed a lift.
“I actually think its brilliant because the hairs on the back of your neck get going, but you can’t talk to the players – it’s that bloody loud and they can’t hear what you’re saying,” he said.