Richmond's VFL squad has broken a six-game losing streak, securing its third win of the season after defeating North Ballarat by 32 points at Eureka Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
In what was a relatively scrappy and low scoring contest early, the Tigers only managed two goals in the first half, while keeping the Roosters goalless.
A bit of life was injected into the game after half time, with Richmond kicking three goals to the Roosters' two in the third, before the Tigers finally kicked clear in the final quarter.
VFL coach Tim Clarke with pleased with the way his players rallied after a slow start to the game.
“A few guys were playing different positions, and sometimes it takes guys a little bit to get going and to get settled,” he said.
“Early we just weren’t making good decisions, we were second to the ball and then we weren’t putting pressure on.
“That changed after quarter time and I thought the boys were terrific from then on.
“The most pleasing thing was the effort of the guys. If you look at the tackle numbers, the boys had 80 tackles to 58, and I think that was following only nine or so in the first quarter.
“So the intensity around the contest was fantastic, and that’s what got us the result.”
On a day when goals were difficult to come by, Liam McBean was the difference up forward. After starting in the ruck, he moved forward and finished with four goals.
In the absence of Shaun Hampson, who was a late withdrawal, Clarke praised the efforts of stand-in ruckman James Wall, who enabled McBean to move forward.
“For Beany to kick four goals was really helpful. I thought he and the other key forwards were all very strong in the air today, which is something that we’ve lacked,” he said.
“James Wall, who’s played on the wing all year, played in the ruck, and that allowed us to play Liam forward for the majority of the game, and without him playing that role for us, those goals don’t happen. So that was really pleasing.”
Matt Thomas was a consistent performer all day, continuing his impressive VFL form. He collected 30 disposals, won eight clearances and provided integral pressure in every contest he entered.
The game also marked the return of Chris Knights, the first step in his lengthy recovery from a serious hamstring injury. He was lively early, gathering 11 touches before being rested in the second half.
Richmond travels to Preston City Oval next Saturday to take on the Northern Blues.
FINAL SCORES
Richmond 1.4 2.7 5.8 11.9.75
North Ballarat 0.2 0.5 3.5 6.7. 43
GOALS
Richmond: McBean 4, Thomas 1, Dea 1, Aarts 1, Astbury 1, McKenzie 1, Gale 1, Lloyd 1
North Ballarat: Black 2, Staley 1, Hooper 1, Bacon 1, Lockyer 1
BEST
Richmond: Thomas, Lennon, Dea, McQualter, Cachia, McDonough, Knights, McBean
North Ballarat: Bastinac, Kiel, Rippon, McKenzie, Sewell, Black, Schache
