Richmond VFL coach Jake Batchelor provides a summary of how the Tigers’ players performed in last Saturday’s Round 2 win over Sandringham at RSEA Park.
Kane McAuliffe (28 disposals, three marks, seven tackles)
“Had a huge game despite only playing three quarters due to his role as carryover emergency for the AFL side. Strong around the contest with clean hands and physicality. Showed growth in his defensive awareness and stayed really active. Great performance overall.”
Tom McCarthy (26 disposals, six marks, two tackles)
“Played the first three quarters across halfback and provided great run and drive. Positioned himself well defensively. Shifted to the midfield in the final quarter and did a solid job.”
Lachlan Wilson (25 disposals, five marks, 11 tackles, five clearances, one goal)
“Arguably best on ground across the full four quarters. Put his body on the line consistently and stood up when it mattered in the last term. Added value with inside 50s and a crucial final-quarter goal.”
Massimo Raso (24 disposals, three marks, three tackles, nine clearances)
“Played full-time midfield this week and embraced the contested side of the game. Racked up eight clearances by three-quarter time and looked sharp around the ball. Great signs for a second gamer.”
Joel Garner (24 disposals, eight mark, one goal)
“Led from the front. While his match-winning moment stood out, his efforts throughout the game — especially in covering outlets and setting the tone down back — were just as important. A real general.”
Tom McKenzie (23 disposals, four marks, four clearances)
“Great to see him back after recent ankle and groin issues. Powerful in the midfield and will continue to develop, particularly in decision-making on when to take tackles on versus giving first options. Very promising return.”
Mutaz El Nour (18 disposals, two marks, four tackles)
“Showed clear improvement from last week. Was more proactive with positioning and made better defensive decisions. Particularly strong in the last quarter, where he really stood up.”
Nick Collier (17 disposals, three tackles, one clearance)
“Backed up last week with another strong performance at halfback. Reads cues well, has elite running capacity, and makes composed decisions with the ball. Excellent signs of growth.”
Harry Scott (16 disposals, four tackles, two clearances)
“Now in his second week on the wing, he's becoming a strong system player. Improved in covering outlets and providing defensive support, while still contributing in contested situations.”
Campbell Gray (13 disposals, three marks, five tackles, one goal)
“Had a significantly better start compared to last week, but it was his last quarter that stood out. He played with instinct, confidence, and without fear of mistakes — showing signs of the impactful player he can become.”
Jonty Faull (13 disposals, four marks, one tackle)
“A real presence ahead of the ball — rarely outmarked, fights hard, and scraps for every contest. Had some great moments stepping through pressure and lowering the eyes. Exciting potential.”
Jasper Alger (12 disposals, three marks, two goals)
“Improved from last week in terms of system. Found good spots and is clearly learning and applying feedback in his role as a high half forward.”
Mohammed Yassine (11 disposals, three marks, four tackles, two goals)
“Lively early, making an impact in the first half. Faded slightly as the game went on, but showed promising signs and plenty to build on moving forward.”
Sam Toner (11 disposals, five marks)
“Quieter than last week. He’s learning multiple roles this season, and increased reps on the wing will help. Still showed flashes of class when he had the ball.”
Nick Guiney (11 disposals, three marks, one tackle)
“A great system player who had several important moments. Stays involved in attacking plays and understands when to engage physically versus playing the ball. Brings real value to the team.”
Phil Moimoi (nine disposals, three marks, four tackles, one goal)
“Limited overall impact, but kicked a momentum-swinging goal in the final term and contributed a crumbing goal early. Put his body on the line in the first quarter. Finding balance in his role will be key, but he's seen as a big part of the future.”
Jacob Koschitzke (nine disposals, three tackles, one mark)
“Played a really strong game. His system behind the ball was solid, and he had a standout one-on-one win against Liam Henry late in the game — a crucial contest that helped preserve momentum.”
Thomas Sims (seven disposals, three marks, six tackles, eight hit-outs, one goal)
“Competed strongly in the air and may not have been out marked all game. Brought the ball to ground consistently and capped it off with a nice goal. Improving steadily each week.”
Samson Ryan (seven disposals, four marks, 15 hit-outs, three clearances, one goal)
“Didn’t fill the stat sheet but played a key role, especially in the last quarter where he took over ruck duties. His presence and competitiveness had a big influence on the game.”
Maurice Rioli Jr (seven disposals, three marks, one tackle, one goal)
“Showed his trademark power, speed, and explosiveness — a level above. Capped his performance with a goal and demonstrated strong defensive intent throughout.”
Sam Flockhart (seven disposals, one tackle)
“Debuted on the wing and showed strong running patterns. Needs to refine some positional elements defensively, but his athleticism and size make him an exciting prospect in that role.”
Mate Colina (five disposals, five tackles, 11 hit-outs)
“Faced a tough matchup against a top-tier ruck in Harry Boyd and gave away a few frees. Technique adjustments needed, but effort was never in question. Good learning opportunity.”
Liam Fawcett (one disposal, one mark)
“Unfortunately suffered a concussion and a broken nose in the first five minutes. No further impact on the game.”