Melbourne AFLW star Daisy Pearce has identified a game changing trend in Damien Hardwick’s coaching.
With rotation patterns at an all-time high in terms of diligence and planning, superstar players are often left off the ground at critical stages, as seen with Greater Western Sydney’s Dylan Shiel in last weekend’s draw with St Kilda.
However, Pearce says Richmond implements a different technique, which helps them have their best players on the field when they’re needed most.
“The thing I like about the Tigers is the way Hardwick manages the minutes,” she told SEN Breakfast.
“We wonder why they’re just able to blow teams away in periods of the game, and often late in the game. It’s the way they manage the interchange.
“Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin don’t spent as much time on the ground early in the game as what other midfielders do. By three quarter time on Tuesday night, those guys had spent 10-15 minutes less on the field than any other one of Melbourne’s midfielders.
“They do it week in, week out. Already those guys have played about 50-60 minutes less than any other top line midfielders in the competition.
“Then bang, last quarter, inject them in and they have a huge impact.”
The Tigers will look to strength their grip on top spot this Sunday at the MCG against Collingwood.
Listen to Daisy Pearce’s chat with Garry Lyon and Tim Watson on SEN Breakfast in the player below