Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke provides an exclusive summary of how the Tigers’ AFL-listed players performed in last Saturday’s final home-and-away match against Essendon at Windy Hill.
Matt Dea
31 disposals, nine marks, two tackles
Had another extremely strong game in defence, winning plenty of ball and keeping his opponent in check. Is playing really solid AFL-standard football and pushing hard for senior selection.
Matt Arnot
30 disposals, three tackles, 11 marks
Backed up a solid game last week with an impressive effort in defence and through the midfield area. Won plenty of uncontested possession, but he combined that with a bit of contested ball late in the game, which got us back into the contest. It was a good finish to the season from him.
Jason Castagna
29 disposals, two clearances, two tackles
Maintained his good, attacking style of football off half-back. Was really impressive with his run-and-carry. Needs to continue working on his kicking and hitting targets, but he’s certainly shown this season that he’s going to become an exciting player for the Club.
Chris Knights
29 disposals, six tackles, one goal
Finished off his last VFL game for the club with a standout performance. Had plenty of centre-forward touches. Hit the scoreboard once and had a few other shots that fell short, but ended up in scoring shots for teammates. His intensity around the ball was a highlight.
Matt McDonough
27 disposals, seven clearances, two goals
Had probably his best game for the past month. Displayed heaps of energy in and around the contest. He combined that with some outside football that was damaging, especially in the centre-forward area, where he helped set up several scoring shots.
Dave Astbury
23 disposals, 10 marks
Produced arguably his best performance of the season. Took plenty of contested marks and really helped to set us up offensively. Is another player who is really pushing for senior selection in our backline. He’s just waiting to grab an opportunity.
Nathan Gordon
19 disposals, five marks, seven tackles
Played a solid game as a half-forward. It was a tough position to play at times throughout the match, but he worked pretty hard. Ended up having a few scoring shots, but didn’t register a goal. He’s also ready to go, if required, to step up into the senior side.
Todd Elton
16 disposals, eight marks, three tackles
Another player who had his best game for the season. Was involved with plenty of critical contest work, restricted his opponent’s influence, and helped set up a few really aggressive offensive transitions for us. It was a particularly pleasing performance from him.
Connor Menadue
16 disposals, six marks, two tackles
Played a combination of midfield and half-back. Produced plenty of run-and-carry and had some really exciting involvements. The challenge for him is to continue winning more possessions, so he can maximise his ability to use the ball.
Reece McKenzie
14 disposals, five contested marks
Well beaten in the first quarter, but bounced back after quarter-time to finish with 10 marks, including five contested grabs. Really stood up and was probably the most dominant forward on the ground. Didn’t hit the scoreboard, but his work in and around the contest was fantastic.
Shaun Hampson
10 disposals, 39 hit-outs, five marks
His ruckwork was elite, giving our midfielders first use right throughout the game. He also got to more contests, and finished with five marks, which could easily have been more. Another player that, if needed at senior level, is ready to go.
Liam McBean
10 disposals, two goals
Was a bit down on previous weeks. But he also got to more contests, which is something he’s been working on, and still managed to kick two goals, which is pleasing. He needs to keep focusing on those critical contests in his bid for senior selection.
Ivan Soldo
3 disposals, 16 hit-outs, one goal
Battled well in the ruck. Continues to improve. His centre-bounce work was impressive against good opposition, and he even managed to push forward and kick a goal. We’re really excited about the development he’s shown throughout the season.
