Richmond’s premiership defence has hit another snag after Sunday's 16-point loss against lowly Collingwood.
The Tigers are now in danger of missing the finals having slumped to 12th on the ladder after losing their fourth straight game, coughing up seven final-quarter goals to the rampant Magpies.
But amid the doom and gloom at Punt Road, David King has praised the way in which Richmond has “changed the game” during their run of three flags in four years.
“Everyone wants to talk about the end of an era. I want to celebrate the era,” King told SEN’s Whateley.
“What they’ve been able to do has been unbelievable really – they’ve changed the game in so many ways.
“To see a new position developed for Dustin Martin, solely to play centre-forward and have maximum damage. Then you see the brilliance in which they move the ball, the forward handball game.
“We haven’t seen a forward handball game like this.
“Giving up clearance advantage to the opposition, not getting consumed by having to win every ball, but when you win it, you’re gone.
“I think we should all just say thanks because for the best part of the last five to six years when they’ve been super strong, the game has been awful.
“Without Richmond, we would have made 100 more rule changes. So I say thanks and I hope you’re back soon.”
King expects the Tigers to reload and mount another premiership tilt in 2022.
“I wouldn’t be putting a line through this group,” the North Melbourne champion added.
“When you hear them speak, they’re hungry for more. I don’t think they’re in any way at all satisfied.
“Nothing’s worked for them this year. Let’s just say thanks. Let’s embrace what they’ve done.”
The 7-9 Tigers will look to put a stop to their losing run against Brisbane (11-5) at the MCG on Friday night.
