ASSISTANT coach Josh Carr is proud of the consistency Yartapuulti has found, with the side sealing a seventh-straight victory on Friday night.
Boasting an 8-2 win-loss record in 2023, Carr’s electric midfield group has led the way, consistently winning battles over some of the most dangerous players in the competition.
Fronting the Adelaide media on Tuesday, Carr touched on the team’s current form, his own senior coaching aspirations and Richmond coach Damien Hardwick’s shock resignation, ahead of the Power-Tigers clash this Sunday.
Carr on Yartapuulti’s current form
“We're playing some good football, obviously Friday night topped that off a little bit. The consistency of the group, week in, week out (and) being ready for the contest against really good teams has been pleasing and really enjoyable to coach.
“It's definitely enjoyable working with these guys (in the midfield). From pre-season to now, everyone's always looking to improve. It doesn’t matter whether they’re the best players in the team or a bit less experienced, players have doubts and as coaches we're there to support them and make sure they play their best football. I’m lucky that I’ve got a really talented midfield group to work with.”
Carr on Zak Butters
“He's a very good player obviously, seeing what he did Friday night, but he wouldn’t be able to do that without his teammates and I think he realises that. He’s a team-first player but individually you don’t get that success without your teammates and that's what more special about that group than anything.”
Carr on Richmond senior coach Damien Hardwick’s resignation
“It caught everyone by surprise. He's been a great coach, obviously one of my old teammates (at Yartapuulti). You always sit and watch closely on their careers and to see the success he’s had has been enjoyable to watch and I’m proud as an ex-teammate.”
Carr on how Hardwick’s resignation may affect Sunday’s game
“There's a lot of unpredictability about it. We've seen a number of times when a coach moves on what happens the next week…Damien, what he's done for the football club, there's no doubt that for Richmond, there will be some emotion in the way they play. I think we're prepared for that. I think the games we've played in have been high-pressure games right down to the last minute so that's what we expect.”
Carr on Ken Hinkley coaching from the bench
“It hasn’t really changed (the dynamic) at all to be honest. As a coaching group, we work together up in the coaching box and we're always constantly talking to Ken downstairs, so it hasn’t changed anything in my role or anyone else's role. Constantly talking to each other about what's happening within the game and what structures you have in place and then communicating down with Ken.
“The win/loss record speaks for itself really as a club, everyone's doing their role and working really well together and Ken's coaching how he always coaches. He's passionate and doing a great job.”
Carr on his own senior coaching aspirations
“I just keep coaching the best that I can. I keep learning and improving and if ever an opportunity comes up, I’m preparing to be ready for it. I think I’ve said before I want to be a senior coach one day but I'm not in a rush at all really. I’m enjoying my coaching and I’m really loving being at this football club doing the role I’m doing now and I’m preparing to be the best coach I can be. I'm continually working on myself as a coach…but at this stage I’ve got a job to do here.”
Carr on current Yartapuulti injury list
“We’re not sure yet what will happen for this weekend with Trav (Travis Boak) in particular. There's no significant damage (to his ribs) or anything like that, it will just be a bit of wait and see how he pulls up. Probably similar to earlier in the year when he got a knock to the ribs. Charlie (Dixon) is a wait and see (as well). So far, so good with Toddy (Todd Marshall). He's passed all the tests, he's got a couple more he's got to get over and hopefully he gets up.”
