Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has taken a swipe at his former Port Adelaide teammate Kane Cornes after Cornes’ criticism of the Tigers’ trade moves for Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper.
Cornes has been vocal in his belief that the Tigers overpaid for the two former GWS Giants midfielders, particularly with the team struggling to start the 2023 season.
Both Taranto and Hopper were highly influential as Richmond shook off a slow start to secure a much-needed 15. 14. (104) to 8. 10. (58) win over the West Coast Eagles at the MCG.
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Taranto finished with 30 disposals and two goals, while Hopper added 32 disposals and a goal to deliver Richmond its second win of the season, and Hardwick did not mince his words towards Cornes in the aftermath.
“I know Kane really well and you guys know how the media work,” Hardwick told reporters after the match.
“He doesn’t generally believe that comment, but what he does is he says it to get clicks. That’s how the media works. Surprise.
“He (Taranto) is an outstanding player. Those two boys that we brought in in (Jacob) Hopper and Taranto, we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we need to be – or more importantly we wouldn’t be anywhere near where we want to be – without those two boys.
“They’ve been wonderful for our footy club. They’re starting to learn what it is to be a Richmond person and starting to play like Richmond men, which is which is really important.
“So I thought those two boys were very, very good today and will continue to be for a long period of time.”
Also outstanding for Richmond was Dion Prestia, who was also acquired via trade and has since played in three premierships for the Tigers. Hardwick showed he remembered Cornes’ initial assessment of that deal as well.
“Kane said he wasn’t worth pick 6,” he said.
“He’s come out a three-time premiership player.”
Richmond will aim to give its season some momentum when it faces Geelong in a blockbuster clash next Friday, while the Eagles will head back to Perth to host the Suns.
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