Martin's tank will grow: Hardwick

Dustin Martin snaps a goal against St Kilda on Friday night. Source: Herald Sun

RICHMOND coach Damien Hardwick has likened to Dustin Martin to Brownlow Medallist Mark Ricciuto and warns the young Tiger will not fade out of games for much longer.

Martin has epitomised the Tigers over the first two weeks of the season - terrific until half-time, but not being able to maintain the rage in the second half.

The midfielder had 15 disposals to half-time, but could manage only eight in the second half in Friday night's win over St Kilda.

Hardwick said he expected Martin to soon be able to run out matches.

"I think in both games (to start the year) he was nearly best on ground at half-time," he said on SEN radio today.

"He'll get better - he's not an aerobic beast as such.

"But he'll actually get better probably in about Round 4 or 5 when the game slows down a bit - that's when he will start to come."

Hardwick admits Martin - who is now in his fourth AFL season - will need to become more an impact player.

"He still needs to improve his overall tank," he said.

"I very much liken him to Mark Riccuito - a guy who is going to play in fits and starts, a bit like Patrick Dangerfield at stages.

"He will get better as he gets older, but there's no doubt it's an area he has to improve."

There is growing optimism at Punt Rd following the undefeated start to the season.

The steely win on Friday night, in which they held off a late charge by the Saints, displayed the growing maturity at Tigerland.

Their two wins to start the year have been on the big stage and Hardwick said that could not be underestimated.

"We made mention of it (the blockbusters to start the year) in our season build up...we generally go away and have a chat," he said.

"The best place to be, and when you get your best results, is when expectations are high.

"Playing on Thursday night or Friday night footy when you're thrust upon the big stage, you certainly find out a bit about yourself and you're club in general.

"We've been reasonably pleased with the effort and intensity of our players.

"We have to clean up a few things and have work to do, but I feel we are on the right path."

While happy with the start to the season, Hardwick is determined to keep his players on an even keel.

The Tigers coach was adamant his players would not be getting ahead of themselves as they prepare for next Sunday's clash with the Western Bulldogs.

"The tendency with some coaches is too go over the top when you lose and over the top when you win," Hardwick said.

"But we try and remain relatively stable in both.

"It's something I've always been pretty strong on myself."
 

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