Richmond VFL has kicked off its 2023 campaign with a 47-point win over the Northern Bullants at the Swinburne Centre on Sunday.
After a seven-goal blitz in the first quarter, the Tigers went on to register nine goals across the final three quarters, the final score reading 16.8 (104) to 8.9 (57).
Richmond struck early and often in the opening term to inflict maximum damage.
The Tigers blood four VFL debutants in Harrison White, Beau Tedcastle, James Trezise and ex-Bullant, Mutaz El Nour.
Kaelan Bradtke was gracing the turf for the first time in the Yellow & Black and he sparked his side with three goals in the first quarter.
The Corowa product slammed through his fourth goal five minutes into the second term, pushing Richmond’s lead out past eight goals. Booting five goals in the first half, he is just as adept once the ball hits the ground as he is in the air.
The Tigers increased their lead more subtly in the second quarter, slotting three goals and holding the Bullants goalless, as the host’s lead edged its way to nine goals.
Jacob Bauer was a handy foil for Bradtke, as the duo exerted robust aerial presence in the front half.
Bauer was more prominent in the second term, jagging a goal and showcasing his spring and skill.
The key forward slotted his second goal early in the third term after a bullet pass from Jack Ross stuck in Bauer’s gecko grip.
Ross was the dominant midfielder on the ground and oozed AFL presence.
Bigoa Nyuon was another Tiger who caught the eye with the way he carried himself on the field. He assumed the role as No.1 ruckman with aplomb, whether that be with his tap work, follow-up at ground level or helping backward of centre.
The Bullants made their move with a three-goal burst, which had their supporters in full voice.
Goals to Ben Miller and Lachlan Street swung the momentum back in Richmond’s favour, before the Bullants hit back.
The Tigers then had a shot at goal after the three-quarter time siren via Hugo Ralphsmith, much to the chagrin of the vocal Bullants on the hill under the scoreboard.
Unfortunately for Richmond and Ralphsmith, the sherrin veered the wrong side of the goal post, with the Tigers leading by 47 points at the final change.
It was three goals apiece in a scrappy final term, the result never really in doubt.
RICH 7.1 10.4 13.5 16.8 (104)
BULL 1.1 1.4 5.6 8.9 (57)
Goal Kickers:
Richmond: Bradtke (5), Bauer (3), Miller (2), White, Tedcastle, Street, Ross, Johnson, Hicks
