James Hird and Jobe Watson revealed after last Saturday’s loss to Brisbane that the players training standards had dropped across the week.
Heppell said the attitude of the players had been upbeat ahead of the blockbuster against the Tigers.
“We had dropped off our training standards a little bit. This week we’ve been really upbeat on the track so I think we’ll be right,” Heppell said.
“We’re still playing some good footy. We were a bit disappointing on the weekend but we’re really looking forward to Richmond this week.”
“I don’t see there would be any reason to drop off like we have in the past couple of years.”
The 21-year-old said it was exciting to be playing in Saturday’s Dreamtime at the G match that recognises the contribution indigenous players have made to football.
“It’s a massive game. Richmond are playing some excellent footy as well so we’re really looking forward to this one,” he said.
“With such a proud history of indigenous players coming through the club – and we’ve still got a lot of boys there now – it’s fantastic that we can play in this game.”
Michael Hurley trained solidly with the team this morning showing no signs of concussion he suffered against Brisbane last weekend.
“We trained this morning and he was flying today,” he said.
“I haven’t noticed any real setbacks so he should be right I reckon.”
