So we start the season at 0-2. Not ideal, but looking at the fixture early, I think even the most optimistic would’ve thought it was certainly a possibility.
They’ve been a frustrating two games. All it took was a lapse in concentration for a ten minute period in both matches to inevitably be the difference in the losses. We have actually played some pretty good footy 90% of the time.
Against Carlton I felt we probably got caught up in the moment and I don’t think the guys played the way Hardwick would’ve wanted them to at some critical stages. But against Collingwood the structures were more evident and the ball movement was something we’ve become more accustomed to, and ultimately we were in the game right up to our necks until Jolly kicked that running goal in the last quarter.
As a long suffering supporter, I know it’s hard to find the positives in losses, but there were lots and we have to think that Carlton and Collingwood beat us by 100 and 70 points respectively last season. The team is clearly showing that it’s able to at least compete for most of the match and barring those ten minutes lapses, who knows what the results could’ve been. As the season progresses I anticipate the deficiencies will be ironed out and the team will become more consistent over four quarters. It must be remembered we’re only two games into a very long season.
Having said all that, this week is very important.
I hate when this term is used - but this week against Melbourne is a ‘must win’.
With another two VERY tough games coming up against Geelong and West Coast, there simply must be a win on the board within the first five games - that’s not to say we won’t steal one against the Cats or Eagles.
Melbourne are down, really down.
I always hate playing teams on the rebound and you’d anticipate they’d come out really wanting to make a statement this week.
Often the emotion only lasts for the first ten minutes or so. But given these two teams have had some really close affairs over the past few years, they’d give themselves every chance to go on and win the match despite the players that are missing.
I think on paper, this time last year, Melbourne and Richmond were on par. Now Richmond appears to have a clear upper hand but we all know what that means on game day - not much.
Often in these types of games, when the opposition is obviously weakened, the team that should win almost stoop to the opposition’s level and get sucked in to playing a game style they don’t necessarily want to play.
The key to Richmond winning this week is the old cliché - ‘sticking to the structures’. Keep the game on our terms and the scoreboard will look after itself.
Melbourne does have some weapons that need some checking and these are the ones I’ve identified;
- Nathan Jones
- Jack Grimes
- Mark Jamar
- Mitch Clark
- Jack Trengove
- Jack Watts
Nathan Jones seems to save his best games against the Tigers. I wouldn’t necessarily put a hard tag on him, but he does need be accounted for. He can sneak forward and kick goals, and Melbourne really rely on him to win some clearances and often when he is playing well, Melbourne are too.
On the topic of Mark Jamar, he’s started this season really poorly, but he is still an excellent tap ruckman. When Melbourne has beaten Richmond in recent times, Jamar is often the cornerstone, giving the likes of Moloney and Jones first use. Ivan Maric should be good match up though, and I’d also really encourage Ivan to get around the ground and even try and sneak forward to see if he can catch out Jamar defensively.
Jack Grimes is very important to Melbourne’s defence. Looking at the 22 they have named, he’s really the only player coming out of that back half with elite kicking skills. I think Jake King would’ve been a great option to put a defensive stop on Grimes, but someone like Shane Edwards is great defensively as well. If we can stop Grimes from getting the footy off half back, the Demons will have lots of trouble rebounding.
Jack Trengove is by far and away their best player at the moment. He just oozes class, wins the clearances, kicks well and kicks goals. If were going to put a hard tag on someone it’d be Trengove in my opinion, because he can change a game on his own boot even though he’s still so young.
I’ve still mentioned Mitch Clark, even though I don’t particularly rate him as a forward, and you can’t ignore the fact he kicked five goals last week. If Melbourne kick the ball on top of his head, we shouldn’t have too many troubles, because he isn’t the greatest overhead mark for someone his size and looking at the potential match ups, we should be able to get a third man up at most contests. Clark is a great athlete though, and if given space and the ball on a lead, that’s where he can pose problems. I think Dylan Grimes should be given the job, which means Rance is given a little freedom around the back half to do the mopping up.
I’m expecting big games from our big three in Cotchin, Martin and Deledio. I thought Deledio had arguably his best game for the club last week (was epic).
Our forward line will pose a threat to Melbourne. I’m surprised they’ve stuck with four defenders over 191cm, which means Nahas and Addam Maric are vital.
If our tall forwards can bring the ball to the ground the small forwards and resting midfielders could have a really good day.
All the signs point to a Richmond win but it’s just so important we hold our structures and pressure Melbourne as much as possible. Pressure the ball carrier and they will turn it over, but our forward structure needs to look a little better than what it has in the first two rounds and the delivery also needs to be much more precise.
Make sure you get down to the ‘G’ tomorrow to bring the boys home.
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