Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points from the Tigers’ 17-point win against St Kilda at the MCG last Friday night.
1. Jack Riewoldt plays his best football when he’s moving and jumping at the ball.
I loved the way Riewoldt attacked the footy last Friday night. He is much more dangerous when he makes his opponent worry about what he’s doing, and where he’s going, rather than engaging in body-on-body contact. The fact Riewoldt kicked seven goals, despite taking only three marks, further highlighted his excellent ability at ground level. He reads the play superbly, which enables him to consistently be in the right place, at the right time. That crucial goal he slotted from a free kick in the tight last quarter, also demonstrated his leadership qualities. He really stepped up to the plate when it mattered . . .
2. Dylan Grimes is such an important member of the team’s backline.
It’s hard to believe this was just Grimes’ 18th league game, and his first for more than nine months. He slotted back into the line-up, after all his hamstring trouble, and produced a trademark cool, calm and collected display in defence. Grimes has the all-round skills set that allows him to play on tall or small opponents, and his presence out there provides the Tigers’ backline with a huge boost. Hopefully, he can stay out on the park because he has all the necessary attributes to develop into one of the competition’s leading backs.
3. Ricky Petterd shapes as a very handy pick-up for the Tigers.
Petterd was extremely impressive in his debut appearance for Richmond, picking up 20 possessions across half-back, including five rebound-50s and four inside-50s, and taking eight marks. The ex-Demon has always had the talent, but he’s had an interrupted league career due to injury problems. If he can stay fit, I see him becoming a pretty important member of the Tigers’ line-up with his mobility, creativity, marking ability and courage.
4. Reece Conca played his best game for the Club.
The 20-year-old midfielder, in his 37th game of league football, produced an excellent performance that had him right up there among the best players on the ground. Conca had 25 possessions (10 of them contested), including four inside-50s, four clearances, took four marks and provided the team with considerable drive through his hard running and efficient ball use. He displayed really impressive composure, as evidenced by the short pass to teammate Ivan Maric, which threaded the needle late in the last quarter, and was subsequently converted into the match-sealer by the big bloke.
5. Steven Morris thrives on a big challenge.
For a long time, there’s been no tougher assignment in the competition for a small defender, than lining up on St Kilda’s livewire forward Stephen Milne. With more than 500 goals to his credit, Milne is a mighty dangerous opponent to mind, and he’s caused big problems for the Tigers in the past. Steven Morris, however, performed a first-class stopping job on Milne last Friday night, restricting the experienced Saints star to just eight touches and one goal. Richmond has needed to find a reliable small back, who can curb the likes of Milne, and Steven Morris certainly shapes as the answer to what’s been a problem area for the team.
6. The Tigers have scope for significant improvement.
I’m sure no Tiger fans is unhappy with two from two to start the 2013 season, but the particularly pleasing part, in my opinion, is that the team can improve so much. Last Friday night, for example, no goals came from gun midfielders Cotchin, Deledio and Martin. That’s normally an area of strength for the side. Also, the Tigers were well beaten in the clearances by St Kilda. And key ruckman, Ivan Maric, who had such an impact in his first season with the Club last year, lowered his colors to opponent Ben McEvoy. At the moment, Richmond is finding a way to win, even when not playing that well, which is a really good sign. The Tigers, though, are capable of producing a lot better football than what we’ve seen so far in season 2013.
