Richmond Tigers Rounds 6 - 21 - Review

Ok I've been a bit slack in regards to my updates of the Tigers and the games I was hoping to cover on a weekly basis, sadly time got the better of me and suddenly I was not one or two games behind but 10...

So i've decided with 2 rounds to go, i'll write my blog about their games since I last covered against their narrow loss to Fremantle, a game i'll never forget when the goal umpire decided to "cover up" his mistake and pretend like it never happened, then the geese up in the review room also protected their umpire friend and too pretended like it never happened... Anyhow, no point dwelling on past indiscretion's...

Here's my quick take, Round by Round:

Round 6 - Richmond v Geelong

Sadly this is one of the games I was unable to see, a group of us have a syndicate we've formed betting on anything on TAB, however this day we had booked to go to Morphetville Racecourse and spend the day at the track.

I originally thought it was the copious amounts of ales I had consumed throughout the day as I checked my AFL App on my iphone as it showed the Tigers were infront and in contention for most of the first half!

Sadly, and as I returned home from a massive day, the Tigers then were outclassed & outgunned by one of the flag favourites as Geelong steadied the ship, built a good lead and then held off the tired legs of Richmond to run out 44 point winners.

Final result:

GEELONG          3.3   9.3   15.7   20.11 (131)
RICHMOND        4.1   8.4   11.7   13.9 (87)

GOALS
Geelong: Christensen 3, Bartel 2, Johnson 2 Smedts 2, Hawkins 2, Duncan 2, Stokes 2, Murdoch, West, Selwood, Enright, Blicavs.
Richmond: King 4, Riewoldt 3, Martin 2, Knights, McGuane, Ellis, Grigg.

BEST
Geelong: Christensen, Johnson, Duncan, Stokes, Selwood, Enright.
Richmond: Edwards, Jackson, Newman, Cotchin, Petterd.

Official crowd: 55,625 at the MCG.


Round 7 - Port v Richmond

Wow was I looking forward to this game, in my home state and against one of the teams I hate the most.

Grown up hating Port as a Glenelg Supporter and nothing changed when they joined the AFL!

This for me was a real gut wrenching game, I had real bad nerves circulating in me, worried which Tiger outfit would turn up and whether we could beat an unbeaten Port...

My son and I then watched in absolute shock and elation as the Tigers started their onslaught, controlled, maintained and held complete dominance in the midfield and piling on 8 first quarter goals. The entire Port crowd was in shock and awe as the Tiger army roared over the top of them.

Now, we've been in this position before - the worry was our legs were spent and they would come back. To our amazement that was further from the truth, Deledio, Martin & Cotchin were simply amazing, Shane Edwards quick hands and centre clearances were outstanding and big Jack booted 5 as the Tigers took the lead early and never looked back running out 41 point winners!

The sad note for me was the injury to Chris Knights, real shame as he was looking the goods in his return - lets hope he recovers and we give him another year! The loss of Tucky also with a shoulder was tough to watch as he stayed on the field and helped the midfields rotation whilst in absolute agony!

Final Result:

RICHMOND                8.2   11.5  15.6  18.6    (114)
PORT ADELAIDE      2.1   4.5    6.10   10.13   (73)                 
       

GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 5, King 3, Grigg 2, Newman 2, Tuck 1, Nahas 1, Vlaustin 1, Knights 1, Martin 1, McGuane 1,
Port Adelaide: Schulz 3, Mitchell 2, Gray 1, Monfries 1, Moore 1, Wingard 1, Broadbent 1

BEST
Richmond: Deledio, Martin, Riewoldt, Stephenson, Ellis, Newman
Port Adelaide: Boak, Schulz, Wingard, Mitchell, Carlile Redden

Official crowd: 25,372 at AAMI Stadium

Round 8 - Richmond v Melbourne

Still feeling the high after knocking off Port @ AAMI Stadium there was a high degree of expectation that the Tigers should thump Melbourne by 100+ points.

Sadly this wasn't the case as the Demon's came out to play and the game was at a real stale mate for most of the game, to me, the Tigers looked the winners from the start of the game but just didn't take their opportunities in front of goal and put them away. Instead easy shots were squandered and this allowed the Demons to claw their way back and be in touch at each break until the Tigers put on the brakes and held them to the solitary goal in the final term.

The big winner for the day was the emergence of Brandon Ellis, his 39 possession game was well highlighted as he shot himself into the Tiger faithfuls cheer as one of our midfielders to watch, Vlastuin was another key to watch who was still only in his first handful of games. Either way you look at it, the youth of Richmond is a deep well of skill and will each help us to be a powerhouse in the near future.

So end result was Tigers by 34 points but it wasn't a convincing win:

RICHMOND            2.4   7.9   12.14   15.16 (106)
MELBOURNE         3.0   7.2   10.4     11.6   (72)

GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Martin 3, King 2, Deledio, Nahas, Ellis, Vlastuin, Morris, White, Chaplin
Melbourne: Davey 3, Dawes 2, Dunn 2, Nicholson, Bail, Howe, Evans

BEST
Richmond: Ellis, Vlastuin, S. Edwards, Deledio, Grigg, Houli
Melbourne: Davey, N. Jones, Magner, Terlich, M. Jones

Official crowd: 39,148 at the MCG

Round 9 - Richmond v Essendon

Dreamtime at the G is always a game both the Tigers & Bombers fans love to flock too, and this years game was no exception, over 80,000 turned up expecting a big upset by the Tigers.

Brandon Ellis was an early exclusion from the previous weeks leather poisoning and the Bombers hierarchy did their homework well as their troops placed some great tag's on the likes of Deledio, Martin and Cotchin who each struggled to get their dominance in the game.

Dimma summed it up well in the conference after the game, what was only a 20 point lead to Essendon at halftime, it felt more like the Bombers were 10 goals up as they controlled the game well in the first half with Watson dominating yet like the Tigers last week, didn't make the most of goal opportunities.

The best players really sum up how the game finished with 5 of the 6 listed all from the backline, Rance & Chaplin were pushed to the limit as the ball was constantly bombarded into the backline.

Matt White came into the game during the 3rd and provided some spark but one player was not enough to lift the rest of the team and sadly the end result was the Bombers by 29 Points:

RICHMOND               2.2      4.5      6.5       9.8 (62)

ESSENDON               2.3     7.7     11.9    13.13 (91)

GOALS

Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Cotchin, Edwards, King, Martin, McGuane, Nahas, Vlastuin

Essendon: Crameri 3, Watson 3, Zaharakis 2, Hibberd, Howlett, Melksham, Stanton, Winderlich

BEST

Richmond: Rance, Grigg, Chaplin, Vlastuin, Newman, Jackson 

Essendon: Watson, Zaharakis, Stanton, Goddard, Hibberd, Hocking, Dempsey 

Official crowd: 84, 234 at the MCG

Round 10 - West Coast v Richmond

The trip out west was one the Tigers wanted to make to show why it is they are a genuine top 8 contender, the Tenacious Tigers, still reeling from the previous trip out West, burst into Perth and, like the Port game, their midfield stamped their authority in the first half and never looked back.

The first quarter was closely guarded with both teams using possession well, it was the Tigers however who came out in the 2nd quarter and kicked 6 unanswered goals to lead by 5 goals at halftime.

But they didn't stop there, they continued to kick the next 4 goals without reply - the Eagles were shell shocked as they watched 10 straight goals go on the board.

Their midfield woke up late in the last but by then it was all over as the tigers ran out 41 point winners.

Deledio, Jackson and Cotchin were brilliant and Vlastiun nailed 3 goals as he continued his push for a regular gig in this already flushed Tiger outfit... 

WEST COAST      3.3   3.6   5.9      8.14  (62)                  

RICHMOND          2.3   8.4   14.5   16.7  (103)          

 

GOALS

West Coast: Kennedy 3, Hill 2, Darling, Kerr, S Selwood

Richmond: Vlastuin 3, S Edwards 2, Newman 2, Vickery 2, Riewoldt 2, Jackson, King, Martin, White, A Edwards

 

BEST 

West Coast: S Selwood, Naitanui, Kennedy, Shuey, Masten, Priddis

Richmond: Deledio, Jackson, Cotchin, White, Foley, Vlastuin, Martin

Official crowd: 37,781 at the Patersons Stadium

Round 12 - Richmond v Adelaide

Fresh off the bye (Still shake my head at why the AFL does this...) the Tigers were awaiting the Crows who were fresh off a 77 point thumping at the hands of Sydney.

Adelaide, still shell shocked, didn't do their homework and allowed the Tigers to roam free. Especially Brett Deledio who spent the majority of the first half roaming free and rebounding the ball off the half back with ease and zero pressure!

Despite the Crows making a late push the Tigers held them off and ran out to a 38 point win. Martin & Riewoldt were great up forward and Ellis and Conca continued their charge.

The Crows continued their free fall from grace after last year missing the Grand Final by one kick, now languish in the bottom 8 and don't look any real threat of moving upwards..

The Tigers on the other hand have a big next 4 weeks as wins over Bulldogs, Saints, Roos and Suns could cement their place in the top 8!

RICHMOND    5.2    9.7   11.10    16.14    (110)                 
ADELAIDE      2.1   5.4     6.10     10.12    (72)         

GOALS
Richmond: Martin 4, Riewoldt 3, Grigg 2, Ellis 2, Cotchin, Newman, Maric, King, Edwards
Adelaide: Dangerfield 2, Callinan, Jenkins, Lynch, Porplyzia, Jenkins, Thompson, van Berlo, Mackay

BEST
Richmond: Deledio, Riewoldt, Martin, Ellis, Conca, Chaplin, Houli
Adelaide: Dangerfield, Sloane, Porplyzia, Thompson, Rutten

Official crowd: 43,615 at the MCG

Round 13 - Western Bulldogs v Richmond

Any game against the Bulldogs is must win for me, not only does my brother in law go for them but I always hold a grudge for them stemming from the old days when the likes of Matthew Knights and Chris Bond were playing them. The old Liberatore hard hits on Knights always had the Tiger faithful up in arms as the claret poured from Knighters head...

This game is no exception! Both teams want the win but the Tigers want it more, we have one of the best lists in some time whereas the Bulldogs are struggling and have a handful capable of the big stage - harsh, but that is the simple reality.

From the start you could sense the Tigers would dominate, but as has been the case in recent games, The Tigers could simply not take advantage of their inside 50's and at quarter time had 8 points with only 4 majors nailed. This gave the Bulldogs the breathing space to keep up with the Tigers and be within 11 points.

Sadly, For the Bulldogs... that would be as close as they get as Richmond's midfield lifted their intensity and held the dogs at bay while they increased the lead. Lead strongly by the efforts of Martin, Conca and Grigg in the midfield and Houli & Riewoldt off the half back the Tigers then held the Bulldogs to just 2 points in the "Premiership" quarter as in turn they added 5 to be 53 points up at 3 quarter time.

In the end the Tigers held on to win by 60 points, a good solid win which perhaps with a bit better goal kicking could have been 100 but still helps our %!

WESTERN BULLDOGS      3.3    5.9    5.11    8.13 (61)     

RICHMOND                           4.8   8.13  13.16  17.19 (121)        

 

GOALS

Western Bulldogs: Stringer 2, Cooney, Jones, Hunter, Giansiracusa, Murphy, Boyd

Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Conca 2, Vickery 2, A Edwards, Foley, Houli, Grigg, Martin, White, Jackson, Vlastuin, Cotchin

 

BEST 

Western Bulldogs: Griffen, Boyd, Murphy, Macrae, Hunter, Roughead

Richmond: Martin, Conca, Houli, Jackson, Grigg, Riewoldt, Deledio

Crowd: 29,788 at Etihad Stadium

 

Round 14 - Richmond v St Kilda

Maybe its just me, but this is another team I love our team to beat and beat soundly, for years the Saints were a good side behind the likes of Dal Santo, Montagna and Goddard. Now they are hit with injuries, Goddard departed for the Bombers and the Saints are no longer the powerhouse they once were.

Led by one of our fan favourites, Axel Foley took control of the game and was at every exchange, his sleek skills, quick feet and hard at the ball attitude helped the team dominate early and again smash the opposition in the 2nd quarter to have a handy lead at the half time break.

I've said it before and i'll probably say this again, the Tigers kicking in front of goal has been terrible this year - funny I can say that yet we are winning and in the top 8... some can never be pleased hahaha

But in saying that, whilst we led by 41 points at half time, it quite easily could have been 60 or more... In the 2nd half we kicked 7 goals and 8 points whilst the Saints could only add 4.3. But in a season where percentage is everything I feel the Tigers let themselves down a bit by not going out 100 point winners, yes 64 point win is awesome don't get me wrong - I just feel they need a good solid goal kicking practice each week as kicking 17 points in a game is not good.

Aaron Edwards was awesome to watch, only kicked the one goal but his work rate and presence often has me calling for his inclusion rather than Vickery.. Vickery at times can be slow and lazy up forward, I just feel Edwards has alot to offer our team.

Jackson put in another stand out performance and has truly improved this season to be one of the premier taggers in the competition.

RICHMOND               4.4 10.9 15.13 17.17 (119)

ST KILDA                   3.2   4.4    7.5      8.7   (55)

 

GOALS

Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Jackson 3, Grigg 2, Foley 2, Deledio 2, Ellis, King, A. Edwards, Vickery, Conca

St Kilda: Dennis-Lane 2, Steven, Montagna, Jones, Murdoch, Dal Santo, Riewoldt

 

BEST 

Richmond: Foley, Vickery, Cotchin, A. Edwards, Jackson, Conca

St Kilda: Dennis-Lane, Armitage, Ray, Steven, Jones

Official crowd: 52,184 at the MCG

Round 15 - North v Richmond

I'm going to say this now, theres no real positives I can pull from this game.

The Tigers were simply out classed and out coached. Tigers looked awesome early on and hit the forward 50 nicely, but like a flick of the switch the Kangaroos stopped our inside 50's and piled on 8 goals in the 2nd quarter, all Richmond could do was stand in the path of the oncoming truck and stare at the headlights like a stunned Rabbit...

North certainly did their homework well, the Tigers with their backs to the wall went back to old ways of trying to bomb the ball into the forward line at every opportunity, only for their extra tall players to stand, mark and move it back down field.

Houli was omitted pre game and it was noticeable, his sleek skills and reliable presence was sorely missed!

I draw no positive from this game and will quickly end it here...

Final Result:

NORTH MELBOURNE             3.3      11.6     15.8     19.14   (128)                 
RICHMOND                                2.2       2.7       4.15       8.18   (66)         

GOALS
North Melbourne: Tarrant 4, Bastinac 3, Black 2, Mullett 2, Harvey 2, Ziebell 2, Petrie, Greenwood, Cunnington, Gibson
Richmond: Morris 2, White 2, Riewoldt 2, Ellis, Jackson

BEST
North Melbourne: Adams, Hansen, Greenwood, Thompson, Hine, Swallow, Ziebell, Goldstein
Richmond: Morris, Cotchin, Chaplin, Foley

Official crowd: 45,966 at Etihad Stadium

Round 16 - Richmond v Gold Coast

Blustery and wet conditions plagued the big clash between the Tigers and the Suns, worst fact is the Tigers have never beaten the Suns since they entered the competition. Another poor fact is they have never met on Richmond's home ground the MCG as for the past few seasons the club sold the rights and played them up in QLD...

The game was all about a couple of major factors, The wind and Gary Ablett.

Daniel Jackson secured some pretty handy brownlow votes in this game, he held Gary to only 26 touches and looked well held all game whilst Daniel racked up 30+ and kicked two important goals!

The wind was the other factor, The Suns and Tigers played the first half utilising the wind but it was the Tigers Tenacity in the 3rd holding the Suns to just the one goal in with the breeze whilst keeping the lead was a huge factor as the sky opened up and the rain fell.

As good as this third quarter mauling was, it wasn't enough to give the Tiger Faithful the frights late in the game as the Suns made a final push to snatch the win, in fact in the last few minutes I remember vividly remember not being able to watch as they had multiple shots on goal...

RICHMOND        1.3     4.10    5.13   6.17 (53)

GOLD COAST    3.3     4.4      5.6     6.8 (44)  

 

GOALS

Richmond: Jackson 2, Riewoldt, Arnot, Foley, Ellis

Gold Coast: Brown, O'Meara, McKenzie, Day, Bennell, Shaw

 

BEST

Richmond: Jackson, Martin, Cotchin, Ellis, Chaplin, Deledio

Gold Coast: McKenzie, Prestia, Ablett, Nicholls, O'Meara, Shaw

Official crowd: 11,197 at Cazalys Stadium

Round 17 - Richmond v Fremantle

Payback best describes my requirement for this game, the Tigers are firmly in the top 8 and I want revenge for the last time we played, where yes, I am still filthy about the goal umpire...

No Pavlich, Sandilands or Ballantyne I was sure a solid win would occur...

The first half was fought hard by both sides, the Tigers however seemed the dominant figure. Although only 2 goals up at half time it really felt like they were 6 goals up, again some poor misses in front of goal...

The Tigers midfield, led by our captain courageous, Trent Cotchin, pushed the ball inside 50 and increased the pressure on the Freo backline delivering pin point accuracy to Jumping Jack who finished with 4 for the day. Jacko continued his brilliant 2013 form and for me is one of the front runners for the end of year Best & Fairest, his unsung efforts are starting to be noticed!

End result was the Tigers winning by 27 points, a good hard fought win over one of the Top 4 contenders!

RICHMOND       3.3   4.6     9.9   12.12 (84)

FREMANTLE     2.2    2.5    6.6    8.9 (57)

 

GOALS

Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Deledio, White, Martin, King, S. Edwards, Vickery, Cotchin, Jackson

Fremantle: Mzungu 3, Mayne 2, Walters, Silvagni, de Boer

 

BEST 

Richmond: Cotchin, Rance, Ellis, Vlastuin, Jackson, S. Edwards 

Fremantle: Mzungu, Crowley, Dawson, Clarke, Johnson, Fyfe, Mundy

Official crowd: 40,125 at the MCG

Round 18 - Sydney v Richmond

A picturesque SCG was the birth place for what was an important game to Richmond, not only to see how we can match against one of the best but it was also important to get an away win and help secure the finals push.

The first half I think Richmond was awesome, they put it to one of the flag favourites and really had them worried.

The usual suspects in Martin, Cotchin, Grigg and Jackson stood tall and matched the likes of McVeigh, O'Keefe and Jack and sat within 15 points at half time, i actually believe we were good enough to be infront but sadly just fell behind them.

The question was always going to be, At the SCG can the Tigers match the Swans for 4 quarters. Unfortunately the answer was no as the Swans showed why they are Top 4 worthy and piled on 5 goals to 2 and stretched their lead at 3 quarter time.

Errors cost us dearly in the game and our legs fell off in the last half, Sydney ended up taking the points winning by 47 points.

The loss further dampened by the bad concussion of Ty Vickery.

A loss but alot to learn from it, hopefully we can repay the favour in September.

SYDNEY SWANS  5.3    8.7   13.10    16.14 (110)

RICHMOND            5.3    6.4    8.7         9.9 (63)

GOALS

Sydney Swans: White 4, Tippett 3, Mitchell 2, K. Jack 2, Lamb, B. Jack, Pyke, Smith, Bolton

Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Martin 2, Conca, Jackson, Vickery, White

BEST

Sydney Swans: O'Keefe, Jack, Mitchell, White, Bird, Tippett, McVeigh

Richmond: Martin, Riewoldt, Cotchin, Grigg, Jackson

Official crowd: 29,738 at SCG

Round 19 - Hawthorn v Richmond

Wow, just wow.

Storms circulate Adelaide as I returned home from watching my boy play soccer, he just booted a piercing cannon of a shot through the back of the net as they took the win 1-0.

High on emotion we returned home to find the Internet was down, 1 hour later and with 20 minutes to game time it was a lost cause as the last Telstra operator I spoke with, located not even in Australia, proceeded to be non helpful and suggest someone come and view my system...

Full of anger and disgust I retreated outside to begin sanding my pallet for the new pallet garden we were trying out (Check it out on Sustainability & Recycling article on my blog), my son was extremely worried as I was sanding that hard the Pallet could soon be a toothpick...

From what I heard the Tigers started well, led by our midfielders we put it up to the Hawks and showed why we are Finals bound, Quarter time the Hawks fought back quite hard led by their brilliant midfield - they showed why they are the top side of the competition...

Until that is, I returned inside and found the Internet was back on... I vividly remember us being down by just under a goal and then bang, the Tigers blitzed the last half booting 10 goals to 3 as Cotchin, Ellis, Grigg and Martin stamped their dominance.

Martin's efficiency was quite down but booted a jaw dropping bomb from outside 50 just before 3 quarter time.

The Tigers continued their stamp and dominance over the Hawks who appear to have had a stumble in their quest for the minor premiership, the Tigers nailed their 12th win of the season and stun Hawthorn by 41 Points.

Unsung hero is Alex Rance and Steve Morris who held Franklin and Rioli to just one goal between them, Franklin was full of confidence coming off a 8 goal game the week before against Essendon...

Final Score:

HAWTHORN      3.4    6.8    7.10     9.12      (66)

RICHMOND        6.4    6.6   10.10   16.11   (107)

 

GOALS

Hawthorn: Puopolo 2, Franklin, Lewis, Smith, Burgoyne, Guerra, Ceglar, Hodge

Richmond: Riewoldt 3, McGuane 2, Edwards 2, White 2, Jackson 2, Maric, Newman, Foley, Martin, Tuck

 

BEST 

Hawthorn: Smith, Lake, Lewis, Puopolo

Richmond: Rance, Cotchin, Ellis, Maric, Grigg, Chaplin, Martin, Astbury, Jackson

Official crowd: 64,324 at the MCG

Round 20 - Richmond v Brisbane

A win, the Tigers are in the finals and no one can dislodge us! Since 2001 we've been waiting for this moment, surely we can put the nail in the coffin...

Or can we, its only Brisbane who are languishing in the bottom 8...surely.

The story was the same for this game as it has been for us all year, mid's start great, we kicked 6 goals to 1 and really stamped authority on the game.

The Tigers however at times fail to slam the door shut on teams such as Brisbane and give them a faint sniff of a comeback, this was evident in the third quarter when Brisbane held us goalless and they crept 3 home to be within 4 at the main break.

The Lions continued to push led by strong efforts by Rich and Rockliff and got to within 16 points until the Tigers pulled determination out and put a few on the board to keep the win undeniably in Richmond's hands.

That's it - all we need now is the Bulldogs to beat Carlton and we are in, no doubt about it...

And win the Bulldogs did! They upset everyone and nailed Carlton in what was noted as the Blues worst effort for the year

But that's it - Tigers are in the Finals!!!!!!!!!! For the first time since 2001!

RICHMOND                      6.2   11.7   11.9   14.13 (97)
BRISBANE LIONS           1.3    4.4     7.7    11.8 (74)

GOALS
Richmond: McGuane 3, Conca 3, Vlastuin, Morris, Jackson, Grigg, Foley, Ellis, Riewoldt, White
Brisbane Lions: Mayes 3, Staker 2, Green 2, Hanley 2, Rich, Merrett

BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Conca, Houli, Ellis, Maric, Foley    
Brisbane Lions: Rockiff, Hanley, Green, Mayes, Redden, Rich

Official crowd: 46,961 at the MCG


Round 21 - Richmond v Carlton

Oh god this one still burns, like salt added to a deep gash...

So confident was I of the win I ran down to the local TAB and put a wager on it, the Tigers by 25 points - I was sure.

The first quarter was beautiful to watch, 8 goals piled on and Carlton looked spent early - Jack was dominant with 4 early marks, Vickery was getting his hands to the ball also and Dusty, Cotch and Deledio were prominent. Foley and Ellis were the stand outs for me.

Just like it is yesterday, I remember turning to my son and saying "Geez hope we haven't used up all of our run in that quarter...", just like that I put the hoodoo on Richmond.

The boys returned to the pitch and put my worst fears out there, their legs were spent. Not completely but their effort on the ball, run off the half back and through the middle, delivery to the forward line... all were compromised. Carlton's attitude changed in the 2nd and they pushed and pushed, always looking to be first at the ball while Richmond started playing catch up footy...

It still pains me to say it but Mitch Robinson was the match winner, his over enthusiastic presence was the deciding factor for Carltons resurgence.

From the 2nd quarter onwards our leadership group was non existent, Cotch, Martin, Deledio all tried hard but could not break the shackles. Jacko and Ellis were good but lacked the support needed..

So in the end Carlton held on for a 10 point win, one they deserved and one we should never have dropped.

One positive came from this game for me, Matt McDonough debuting - I think the young lad did quite well and should retain his spot against GWS!

RICHMOND   8.2     10.3    12.7    14.12 (96)

CARLTON      3.2     9.4      13.4    16.10 (106)

 

GOALS

Richmond: Vickery 3, Riewoldt 2, Ellis 2, Petterd, Vlastuin, Grigg, Jackson, McGuane, Maric, Rance

Carlton: McLean 3, Henderson 3, Casboult 3, Gibbs 2, Menzel 2, Robinson, Simpson, Tuohy

 

BEST 

Richmond: Deledio, Jackson, Astbury, Conca, Foley

Carlton: McLean, Simpson, Jamison, Murphy, Robinson, Gibbs, Casboult, Armfield

 

Official crowd: 60,825 at the MCG

 

 

So that is my take of the season since Round 5, alot of it positive, you just have to look at the difference players such as Ellis, Jackson, Conca, Rance, Edwards, Chaplin are making to this team this year.

 

Jackson has always been the silent assassin, some (including myself) were asking for him to be traded, in my point of view at times, in fact alot of his disposal was ineffective and wasted. I'm gladly happy to sit here and eat my words with his performance this year, he has undoubtedly put all doubters in their place and full credit to him - he has pushed himself as one of the major players this year!

 

Ellis, has always been touted as supremely talented, has stepped up this year. His presence and attack on the ball has seen him as not only a crowd favourite but a regular inclusion in any Tiger lineup!

 

Conca is the same, may not be as prominent as a Cotchin or Deledio but wow, he just manages to turn up at the right time and do his job.

 

Rance & Chaplin are amazing this year, Chappy's inclusion to the side after transferring from Port has been one to watch, the two of them are our core in defence and run it like a tight ship! When Grimes can be injury free the three will be one to watch!

 

With 2 games to go its an exciting time at Tigerland, we're in the finals and very likely to get a home final in the first round, I expect it'll be against either Port or Collingwood. I doubt Essendon will miss out but suspect they will be knocked out in the first round anyway - sweet justice if you ask me.

 

GWS this week and then the Bombers the week after, GWS cannot be underestimated as I feel they still have a good side but providing conditions are good I feel we will run over them. Essendon will be another story, I feel we will win but will depend on whether our legs run out of steam early or if we fail to capitalise on our goal scoring opportunities...

 

Ok I think that's enough of my dribble, now lets sit back and watch the rest of the season unfold! To all my friends in Victoria, Noah and I look forward to seeing you in the 1st weekend in September!

**Photos courtesy of the Richmond website!**

Round 4 - Richmond v Collingwood (AFL)

Ok I've held off for as long as I could, was very tempted to write this last weekend straight after the game but that would have been full of negative thoughts and no constructive criticism..

By now your reading this knowing the result wasn't what I had expected or hoped, yes my boys lost.

The wound goes deeper than just the loss, earlier in the day I made my long awaited come back to football, I last pulled on the boots some 12 years ago, back then I played my last season with the Vikings and kicked a nice 50 odd goals in only 10 games, including my never to be forgotten 10 goal haul against Christies Beach (in just 3 quarters of football...).

Knee injury was the reason I stopped playing and also I met my wife to be and moved 20km's away from the footy club, I was spending more time doing other things and sadly football lost. My knee wasn't right though, I spent my last season of football at Happy Valley with a massive knee brace which was awkward to move in and took about 10m off my old 60m kick...

Since then i've moved to a local club, Broadview Football Club (Tigers!!), my son has been playing junior football there for the last 5 years. Talking to one of the members he mentioned their D grade were short of players so I had a few days to think - yep lets do it..

Now, I'm atleast 20kg's heavier than last time I played, no where near as fit and 12 years older... My first training session everything was great, the next few days though - pain, just pain - body wasn't ready for such a training session hahaha. Over the course of the week I then had niggling issues, first the hamstring, then my driver but was still confident of overcoming these and lining up for the Tigers.

That I did, I got my chance to hit the ground midway through the 1st quarter and slotted into the forward pocket - very unfamiliar ground, most of my footy at HV was at Full Forward.. From the time I jumped on though I had nothing but hesitation in my mind, new club, new players, hadn't played for years... I just didn't know my place and what I should do - sadly two leads in the groin went... I hobbled to the bench at quarter time and rested it up. I guess to my credit (and a stern pep talk from my wife) I got back out there midway into 3rd Quarter and it was then I had my first shot on goal as a Broadview Tiger.

Sadly it just went shy of the left post and a point awarded, I finished out the rest of the game getting my hands on the ball a few times but in the end it didn't come down that much as we were soundly beaten by 18 goals... infact, that goal I missed, would have been our first and only goal for the game...

So - missing the 1st half of the Richmond game I sped home, sore and a gutted feeling...

Listening on the way home I heard the Tigers had a great first half matching Collingwood and allowing our midfield to dominate again - sadly the same issues from previous weeks reared their heads again... Missed Scoring Opportunities.

I hope this is a sticking point for Dimma at training and something he is focussing on as at this level the amound of easy shots on goal the Tigers have missed this year is disgusting. Tigers at the moment are content on just doing enough to maintain a lead rather than going for the kill and murdering the hopes and moral of the opposition.

Unfortunately what I saw when I got home and sat and watched the last half was nothing short of poor, this is harsh but I think the 3rd quarter we saw last weekend was by far the worst we've played all year.

Collingwood hit Richmond hard, their midfield dominated the centre and flooded it into their forward line where their million dollar focal point was winning a tough battle in the air against Alex Rance. To Rance's credit he fought hard, unfortunately the arm reach of Travis Cloke is a tough one to defend against, he has great hands, sadly I wish he came across during last trade period!

Rancey was given a spell and Chappy took over the duties on Cloke, sadly by that time the damage had been done, Collingwood piled on the goals and took a 4 goal lead, but by that stage our heads were already down. Chappy was the next casualty of the onslaught taking on some friendly fire to the head in a clash with newby Chris Knights.

Collingwood piled on 8 unanswered goals during that quarter and I watched in amazement as one of our best midfielders, Dustin Martin fell into his 3rd quarter curse and began increasingly quiet as his player Harry O'Brien ran freely and aided Collingwoods demolition.

To the Tigers credit they managed to add 2 goals late in the 3rd quarter to somehow still be a chance.

Even though the quarter was done and dusted, heads in the sand, there was still a feeling we weren't done and early goals would worry Collingwood...

Tigers started fresh and pushed the ball constantly into our forward line but 4... i repeat 4 early chances, some easy shots, were missed. We finally added a few through the two big sticks and crept to within 3 goals but by then the damage had been done, the early misses cost us again as Collingwood regrouped and surged again adding a few and then doing enough to keep Richmond off and securing the 34 point win.

34 Points doesn't really give Collingwood the notion of how dominant they were in the last half, 11 goals to 5 doesn't depict the 3rd quarter fright they gave the rest of the competition after they had 8 unanswered goals and looked unstoppable.

Highlights for me in terms of best players, the ever reliable Cotchin, Lid's tried hard, Grimes and Petterd. Ricky Petterd isn't featuring in the Tigers so called Best players which is a shame, his addition to the team this year has been nothing but positive, he's been getting his hands alot of the sherrin and his disposal has been quite good.

Looking at the Best players below i'm shocked to see Bachar Houli in there, his last half disposal was terrible which is a big shock considering I believe him to be one of the best out there. His first half must have lifted him up there cos sadly my Bachar didn't impress me...

How do we beat Collingwood next time, or even look ahead to Freo, Geelong and Port?

The answer is simple, our shots on goal. 11.13 is a terrible result, I saw 4 points that should have been goals atleast but thats not the only example, look back to the Carlton and St Kilda games... Early in first half we had them both dead and beaten - shocking misses though didn't bury them and kept them within striking distance. Yes the result was we won, but we didn't win convincingly like a Top 4 team like Collingwood, Sydney, Geelong or Hawthorn would do.

If we are to be one of the teams others fear, we urgently need to rectify issues like this, we can't in this our season of change, allow us to have so many close games when really we could have thrashed them.

Well, this week we're out at Freo on Friday night, should be a cracker of a game, I actually think we can win this providing our midfielders maintain for four quarters and we start hitting easy shots and get the goals up!

Players best be on their A game, we have the likes of Aaron Edwards booting 7 in the reserves and we're also expecting the debut of Nick Vlastuin this week... Nathan Foley also had a good hit out, expect him to return in a month's time if all goes well...

 Final Scores:

RICHMOND                    3.3   6.5   8.6  11.13  (79)       
COLLINGWOOD           1.4   5.8   13.12  16.17 (113)

GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Vickery 2, McGuane 2, King, Edwards, Houli , Maric
Collingwood: Cloke 7, Sidebottom 4, Clarke, O'Brien, Elliott, Swan, Dwyer

BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Deledio, Grimes, Houli
Collingwood: Cloke, Shaw, Fasolo, O'Brien, Reid, Sidebottom, Swan

INJURIES
Richmond: King (hamstring), Chaplin (head)
Collingwood: Brown (groin)

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Shane Tuck replaced by Brandon Ellis in the third quarter
Collingwood: Josh Thomas replaced by Dale Thomas in the third quarter

CHANGES
Collingwood: Goldsack replaced in selected side by Macaffer

Reports: Nil
Umpires: Rosebury, Meredith, Mollison
Official crowd: 81,950 at the MCG

AFL Free Agent - Who Should the Tigers Target

Ok I'm going to look at the current list of Free Agents the AFL has to offer, there are two types - Restricted and Unrestricted.

From what i understand Restricted means; you have played more than 8 seasons at the one club and in top 10 highest paid players at the club.
Unrestricted: the player has played 8 or more seasons at the one club, isn't one of the top 10 highest paid and is out of contract for the first time. or the player has played more than 10 seasons with the one club and has already been out of contract once and is now out of contract again...

Alot to understand, basically to me the difference is, Restricted- current club has right of response. Whereas an Unrestricted Free Agent has the power to determine if they seek better from their current club if they've received an offer from a rival club.

So, I sit here Round 1 of the finals, my beloved Tigers have just missed out again, i wonder if there is anything in the pool below that could help us next season?

I've borrowed a list from www.afl.com.au and will add my thoughts below, feel free to view and leave a comment!

Apologies now for formatting.. made this on old internet explorer which has struggled with adding stuff today!

Adelaide Crows

Chris Knights (Unrestricted)

Rumored to be already on his way to Tigerland, this rumor has been rife in Adelaide the last few months, Crows seem happy to let him move on considering not getting a good go in Adelaide. Another Crow to make a big impact at Richmond? ala Ivan Maric?

Would i take him? Yes, all reports are the kid has talent, just not getting a go...

Brisbane Lions

 

Simon Black (Unrestricted) Sadly Simon's days are almost over in the AFL, has been one of the best servants at Brisbane for past decade. 1 or 2 years at most would be left in him, thats if he hasn't already thought about retiring.. Would I take him, absolutely with my heart, not with my head - 1 year fix is not what we need...

Josh Drummond (Restricted)

At 29 Josh has still got the goods to make the regular team up in Brisbane, great left foot and quick rebounding defender.

Would I take him, No, Tigers aren't in the need for another half backman when we have the likes of Delidio, Houli, Newman, Ellis all capable of rebounding into our forward line.

Ash McGrath (Unrestricted)

Ash is passed his use by date in my opinion, was once a feared backman and one i hated the Tigers coming up against. Had he be a free agent many many years ago i would have said yes straight away.

Would I take him... No. as i said, passed his date and prob will retire soon.

Carlton

Heath Scotland (Restricted)

I wish this option came up a few years ago, great on the ball player, gets alot of it and in my opinion has a great football brain. Doubt he'll be leaving Carlton anytime soon and at 32 I'd expect him not to gather too much interest from other clubs.

Would I take him.. No, at 32 only has a year or so to go, Tigers would prefer to put time into Foley, Martin, Grigg, Cotchin, Delidio, Conca etc..

Jordan Russell (Unrestricted)

Previously linked to Port Adelaide and has wanted a passage back to SA, has a history of injury, has played well back or forward.

Would I take him.. No, although he could be a good punt for a half forward option i don't think the Tigers should take the risk on him, injury and a desire to return home could be a factor should he sign with us..

Bret Thornton (Unrestricted)

28 and can play forward or back, has been apart of the team for some time and cemented his spot in defence.

Would I take him... Yes, could be a great player to add as a CHB or another forward option, however i wouldn't offer the moon for him. Would want cheap as i'm not 100% convinced he's the smartest footballer...

Collingwood

Travis Cloke (Restricted)

Biggest name of the free agency so far, has been rumored to both Carlton, Richmond, Gold Coast etc.

Would I take him... Yes, but not on $1m per season, I would prefer the club to buy 2 players at $500k a year than one player...

Ben Johnson (Unrestricted)

A fan favourite at Collingwood and I doub't he'll leave until shown the door. Great player off the Half Back and any club would love his services.

Would I take him... Absolutely, great player and any club would profit from his acquisition.

Harry O'Brien (Restricted)

Another fan favourite, Big Harry has become a legend at the Pies and a key defender in their best 22.

Would I take him... Of course, he is an awesome player and well worth a shot at, could be a great buy if a struggling defensive team needed to bolster their lineup, just not sure if Tigers need that part of the basket...

Essendon

Ricky Dyson (Unrestricted)

About to turn 27 and is still a much looked at player at Essendon.

Would I take him... No, Tigers have enough midfielders to warrant going after a player like Ricky.

Dustin Fletcher (Unrestricted)

One of the much loved giants of the game, whether your a bombers supporter or not. I've watched him his whole career and his whole career i've wanted him at Richmond...

Would i take him... Yes, but thats not my head talking, thats pure heart - he is a legend of the game, no one can deny that, even one year at Tigerland would be awesome. Would be a great mentor too to young Alex Rance!

David Hille (Unrestricted)

Ruckman who can also be used up forward and kick a few goals, has kicked over 20 goals in 8 out of last 10 seasons..

Would i take him... Yes&No... If we could get him at the right price he would be an awesome addition to go 2nd tier to Ivan Maric, if not also provide another forward option...

Nathan Lovett-Murray (Unrestricted)

Loose cannon both on and off the field, has talent but has wasted it with silly indescretions..

Would I take him... Absolutely Not, Our club has a history of rehabiliating troubled players but Nathan would benefit getting out of Victoria, not to another Vic team..

Angus Monfries (Restricted)

Young key forward with alot to offer a team that can supply their forwards.

Would i take him... Yes, could be a great player to add to our forward line, either off the pocket or half forward. Would compliment Jack & Ty as well as help Nahas, King & Edwards.

Henry Slattery (Unrestricted)

Has spent alot of time down back and often used as a defensive midfielder however history of injuries.

Would I take him... No, as mentioned before, Tigers have a plethora of midfielders and defensive midfielders.

Fremantle

Luke McPharlin (Unrestricted) Defender previously with Hawthorn before being traded Would i take him... No, Tigers have enough young defenders to waste bringing in a 2nd tier defender, if we are to bring in a defender it would need to be a big name.

Geelong Cats

Shannon Byrnes (Unrestricted) Gun little midfielder who can be used up forward, has had alot of injury concerns though... Would i take him... Yes, only cheaply though, injuries are a concern but if fit and healthy could be handy off the half forward.

Paul Chapman (Unrestricted)

One of Geelongs key forwards who can also play midfield and dominate.

Would I take him... No, Like Scarlett, i feel his seasons are numbered as he is about to turn 31, prob 2 years left in him.

Corey Enright (Unrestricted)

One of Geelongs premium midfielders and continues to serve them since the departure of Ablett.

Would I take him... Absolutely, But he won't be leaving Geelong anytime soon, i expect he will finish his days with the club he started with.

Josh Hunt (Unrestricted)

Great player who has played well over his career with the Cats, but has had alot of injuries over his career.

Would i take him... No, expecting to retire in the next year or so, not what the Tigers need in the youth phase. However, does fit the Dimma hard nut mould....

Matthew Scarlett (Unrestricted)

Been their greatest Full Back for the past decade, played against and beaten some of the best Full Forwards in the game.

Would i take him... No, Matt is expected to announce retirement soon, if he didn't, i would say his days would be at geelong and not another club.

David Wojcinski (Unrestricted)

Great defender for Geelong and has been there through their dominant years.

Would i take him, No... About to turn 32 and is nearing the end of career, best he end it at his club then other places..

Hawthorn

Chance Bateman (Unrestricted) Handy forward who can also be used in the midfield. Would i take him... No, What i've seen over the last few years i don't think he gets enough of the ball to warrant an offer for him

Thomas Murphy (Unrestricted)

A player i must admit i haven't heard or seen alot of, reports suggest he is a good defender and can be used as a ruckman if required.

Would i take him... No, If he's not on my radar now, he aint gonna be..

Michael Osborne (Unrestricted)

Great midfielder who can change the face of a game, uses ball well.

Would i take him... No, at 30 the Tigers would be foolish to add a mature aged midfielder, we need youth with pace in there...

Clinton Young (Unrestricted)

Rated as the best left foot kick on the run and was pivotal in the Hawks recent premiership. Handy acquisition for any club needing a Wing or Forward.

Would i take him... Yes, I love lefties, build a side of them i say, just not FF, best Full Forwards usually are right footed hahaha. But, whack him on our half forward or even on the wing and laughing.

Melbourne

Matthew Bate (Unrestricted) Forward line player who can be used in midfield also, has had some success in front of goal. Would i take him... No, Only averages approx 12 goals a year, for a forward thats not enough.

Lynden Dunn (Unrestricted)

All rounder, can play back, mid or forward

Would i take him... Yes, At the right price (Dirt cheap), i'm alone on this but i think Tigers could be a good fit for him. See alot of potential.

Brent Moloney (Restricted)

Midfielder with alot of talent but hurt in previous years by injury.

Would i take him... No, Just don't think he'd be the right fit at Tigerland.

Jared Rivers (Unrestricted)

Key Defender who gets alot of the ball

Would i take him...Yes, like Lynden i see alot of upside to him, could be handy in a back pocket however then again, could he win a spot against the likes of Rance, Grimes, Houli, Newman, Dea, etc.

North Melbourne

Michael Firrito (Unrestricted) Key defender for the Roo's, would be a great addition to any team. Would i take him...Yes, this is one I would put my hand up for, good defender who could slot into CHB or FB and push Rancey to CHB.

Port Adelaide

Troy Chaplin (Restricted) One of Ports key defenders looking for a go somewhere else, rumor has it he's on his way to Richmond unless Port can woo him until then.. Would i take him... Yes & No, Yes he is a good defender but i just don't think he is that good foot skill wise or see him as the one to move into our backline. Would rather put time and money into young Dylan Grimes and keep backing Alex Rance...

Brett Ebert (Unrestricted)

Small forward

Would i take him, Absolutely No! Ok i'm biaised on this one, i don't rate him at all, to me, the last name keeps him playing.

Danyle Pearce (Restricted)

Midfielder/Forward option, started with a burst in first couple of seasons then suffered almost career ending form slump... Has played well latter half of 2012 season.

Would i take him... Yes, recent form has shown he can still play, might be handy up on the half forward, could also be used in midfield to provide more rotation.

Steven Salopek (Unrestricted)

Midfielder who has seen limited time over last few seasons.

Would i take him... No, If he can't get a full time gig in Ports midfield then theres something wrong there. Might suit a GWS or GC move.

Jacob Surjan (Unrestricted)

Smaller defender coming originally from WA

Would i take him... No, As mentioned, all should be pushed on current defenders.

Richmond

Luke McGuane (Restricted) Spent alot of his career down back however lately has rejuvenated his career up forward as another marking option. Would i keep him... Yes, I think lets give him another year to prove the recent good form isn't just a flash in the pan

Shane Tuck (Unrestricted)

Fan favourite, has worked his backside off to get a gig in the Tiger midfield. Recently received 1 year contract from Tigers.

Would i keep him... Yes and for gods sake give him a contract extension for 2 more years. He is by far the best ball getter in the team for hard ball gets.

St Kilda

Jason Blake (Unrestricted) Utility player who recently played his 200th game. Would i take him... No, nearing the end of his career and seems to be out of flavour with the Saints.

Raphael Clarke (Unrestricted)

Strong defender who can rebound the ball well.

Would i take him... No, started with promise but has since lost form over last year or so. Would rather invest in Grimes & Rance.

Brendon Goddard (Restricted)

Midfielder who can also rebound well off half back, very talented player.

Would i take him... Absolutely! What club or supporter wouldn't throw money at this one!

Jason Gram (Restricted)

Defender and Midfielder who is a much required player at St Kilda.

Would i take him... Absolutely, however i wouldn't pay the earth for him, if good price he would be worth a punt.

Justin Koschitzke (Unrestricted)

Forward who is handy also as a 2nd ruckman, hit hard with injuries over last 3 years.

Would i take him... No, His days are almost over and don't feel he has half the impact he used to.

Sydney Swans

Jude Bolton (Unrestricted) Has had a stellar career at the Swans and is one of their preferred midfielders. Would i take him... No, for the fact that i don't think he'll leave Sydney, he's one of the fan favourites and i expect him to see out his days in NSW...

Jarred Moore (Unrestricted)

Midfielder turned forward who can kick some goals.

Would i take him... No, Not the option we need in tigerland.

West Coast Eagles

Andrew Embley (Unrestricted) Loomed to be one of the key goal kickers at the Eagles until a few injuries kept him down. Would i take him... No, Injury concerns and has turned 31, doubt many more years so would pass this one.

Daniel Kerr (Unrestricted)

Talented midfielder on the verge of retirement, injuries of late have hurt him and to be honest i can't remember the last game i saw him play...

Would i take him... No, Sadly his career almost looks over and i can't see what value signing him would do for Tigers.

Quinten Lynch (Unrestricted)

Key forward for the Eagles and has alot of success up there of late, 200 game player also for them, can't see him moving.

Would i take him... Yes, but like i said, can't see him moving, would be another tall forward option.

Mark Nicoski (Unrestricted)

Key forward coming off a pretty bad hamstring tear, what was thought to be quick to come back was soon ruled out for all of this season.

Would i take him... No, Don't think i'd like to put my money on an injury as bad as his was, may still miss parts of next year...

Western Bulldogs

Will Minson (Unrestricted)

Ruckman for the Bulldogs and does a handy role at it too, can move up forward and snare a goal or two.

Would i take him... Hmm, Maybe... Not sure on this one, loose cannon who likes to cause trouble... But could he be a 2nd string ruckman to Ivan?