RICHMOND won't be easing into its premiership defence, with the Tigers finely tuned after finishing their pre-season with a 70-point win against North Melbourne at Ikon Park on Wednesday night.
After a dominant performance against Essendon to open the JLT Community Series, Richmond backed up with a polished 19.14 (128) to 8.10 (58) win against the disappointing Kangaroos, who end their pre-season without a win.
The premiers were fearsome at times, forcing turnovers with their relentless pressure and then queuing up the other way, with 12 separate goalkickers in an even performance that will leave Damien Hardwick with selection headaches.
One decision that looks all but settled is Shai Bolton as Daniel Rioli's replacement in the season opener against Carlton on March 22, with the small forward lively again with 15 possessions and 1.3 after booting three goals against the Bombers.
While the small forward line is likely to stay intact, the Tigers would have been pleased with a second half cameo from young key Callum Moore, who booted two goals and showed he could be an option as Jack Riewoldt's sidekick at times this year.
Midfielder Kane Lambert also went forward and booted four goals, while Josh Caddy (two goals) hit the scoreboard in a dynamic performance that suggests the premiership Tiger could be a big improver in 2018.
Caddy rotated heavily through the midfield and finished with seven clearances from his 20 possessions (12 contested), running off the back of the square and drifting forward cleverly to be a key playmaker.
Premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis returned after suffering concussion against the Bombers and was excellent in the middle before pushing forward in the second half, allowing Ivan Soldo to play on-ball.
Club champion Shaun Higgins was excellent for the Kangaroos with 31 possessions and a goal, but he lacked assistance on a night that got worse for Brad Scott's team as the sun went down.
The Kangaroos repeatedly looked to move the ball through the corridor, but their kicking skills let them down time and again and the Tigers feasted on the resulting turnovers.
More to come
RICHMOND 3.4 8.6 13.10 19.14 (128)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.3 4.7 7.8 8.10 (58)
GOALS
Richmond: Lambert 4, Moore 2, Riewoldt 2, Butler 2, Caddy 2, Castagna, Townsend, Bolton, Lloyd, McIntosh, Grigg, Cotchin
North Melbourne: Waite 2, Garner, Brown, Hrovat, Turner, Goldstein, Higgins
BEST
Richmond: Caddy, Lambert, Martin, Edwards, Nankervis, Butler, Cotchin
North Melbourne: Higgins, Ziebell, Macmillan, Cunnington
INJURIES
Richmond: TBC
North Melbourne: TBC
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Findlay, Nicholls, Gavine
Official crowd: 4,197 at Ikon Park
