Nat Fyfe of the Dockers kicks for goal during the round 19 AFL match between the Richmond Tigers and the Fremantle Dockers.Credit:Getty
“Noah[Cumberland] gave himself a chance to win the game ... the clock expired but he put himself in the right position,” Hardwick said. “Like last week,we learn from it.”
Hardwick spoke to Cumberland after the game to help him put into context what had happened.
Noah Cumberland is consoled by former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin.Credit:Getty Images
“He is disappointed like any kid would be,it’s part of the whole equation,” Hardwick said.
However,there was no hiding the Richmond coach’s frustration at the way the finish panned out with Noah Balta also being called to play on before he had a chance to put the Tigers ahead when the shot clock expired as he was preparing to take the vital kick.
“We had ample opportunity there,” Hardwick said. “Two shots effectively to try to win the game and got zero points for it.”
Richmond has now blown winning chances in their past three matches which puts them at risk of falling out of the eight but the club was not blaming the pair of Noahs.