Richmond's VFL side secured a comprehensive 58-point win against the Northern Bullants last Saturday afternoon at Genis Steel Oval. Here’s how coach Jake Batchelor assessed the performance of each player.

Lachlan Street (29 disposals, eight inside-50s, six tackles, five clearances)
“Just finds himself in good spots all the time, he’s kicking the ball inside-50 for us. I think there’s an opportunity for a little bit more composure, however, he keeps getting himself in the right spot. Six tackles as a big inside mid as well when we needed it, so good game by the skipper.” 

Oliver Hayes-Brown (26 disposals, 36 hit-outs, 10 clearances, one goal)
“Best on ground, he competed really strongly in the ruck and got his hands on the ball. He gave his mids first use and his follow-up work was really strong, the best performance he has put together.”

Taj Hotton (25 disposals, nine score involvements, four marks, one goal)
“Another progressive game for Taj, could’ve been outstanding if his kicking boots were on. He knows when to stay around the ball, he knows when to leave forward and still had some defensive intent. He’s going to be a hell of a player.”

Harry Scott (24 disposals, six marks, five clearances, one goal)
“Just continuing to build as a really good midfielder in the VFL comp, he’s tough and his running power has improved. He’s even finding ways to get forward and kicked a nice goal as well.”

05:57

James Trezise (22 disposals, six marks, four tackles)
“Was really clean with the ball in hand, he stepped through tackles which he always does. Still working on decisions when to go and impact the ball versus when to stay back and defend his man. However, it was a positive step for him.”

Tylar Young (21 disposals, 10 marks, two goals)
“Best game for the year so far, his intercepting of the ball and his staying up on his opponent in defence (was good), and somehow he managed to kick two goals as well which was outstanding.”

Kaleb Smith (19 disposals, seven marks, one tackle)
“Showed some good moments with ball in hand, stepped through tackles and took us forward on our fast plays well, where he showed his speed and agility. When he thinks less with ball in hand, he makes really good decisions for us and showed some strong defensive patterns as well.”

Maurice Rioli (19 disposals, eight tackles, four clearances, one goal)
“His burst, his power and speed around the ball was extremely noticeable, a great centre bounce goal to cap that off.”

Austin Johnson (19 disposals, five marks, two tackles) 
“Started the game like a house of fire, slowed down as the game went on and we lost a bit of flow in how we wanted to move the ball. But this guy doesn’t lose one-on-ones and I think on the wing he can damage both ways, so good game by Aussie.”

02:27

Mutaz El Nour (18 disposals, 10 marks, 10 intercept possessions, six tackles)
“Really strong game off the back of some illness throughout the week, his intercept marking was showcased really strongly and it was good to see him get through the game.”

Lachlan Wilson (17 disposals, five marks, three tackles, one goal)
“Played as a forward for us this week, he got forward and kicked a nice goal. He finds space ahead of the ball really well, so it was good to see him get through a game and not get battered from pillar to post, so hopefully he’s pulled up well.”

Liam George (17 disposals, seven marks, 82% disposal efficiency)
“Did some good things will the ball, still working on disposal efficiency and decision-making with that. There will be some defensive decisions that we will work through in the coming weeks, but I think he’s improving as he’s gaining confidence to spend a bit more time with the ball.” 

Nicholas Guiney (16 disposals, eight marks, eight intercept possessions)
“Thought we lost him halfway through the first quarter with a knee, however he got through really strongly and his intercepting prowess was really strong. His ability to win aerial one vs ones was noticeable.” 

Nicholas Collier (13 disposals, seven tackles, five marks)
“Another classic Nick Collier game, his defensive intent was a bit better after a couple of weeks where it dropped off. His work rate to be the outnumber was really strong and he’s making really smart decisions with the ball in hand, so good game from him.”

Tom McKenzie (12 disposals, four tackles, one goal)
“Had some really good moments for us where he stepped in and drove his legs once he won the ball and cut angles. The consistency for him will be as an inside mid to always turn up and step into lay the tackle versus take out receivers. All in all, he’s improving for us.”

00:19

Massimo Raso (11 disposals, two marks, one goal)
“Started the game like a house on fire, he’s ended up with two shots at goal. His forward 50 pressure and his defensive intent is something that we’ve been working on, his diligence with his defence as well and that’s improving, but not really at the cost of his attack. If he kicks that second one it looks like a really strong game.”

Jacob Koschitzke (10 disposals, six marks, five intercept possessions)
“Didn’t get much lick of the ice cream, I think Mutaz and Youngy stole half of his marks, but he blocked out well. His aerial strength and power was strong and his leadership no doubt once again was really strong.”

Mohammed Yassine (eight disposals, two marks, two clearances)
“I think he’s improving his attack and his ability to spend time with the ball. He drives his legs and looks in the corridor really well for us at times, and his front and centre patterns are also improving. A bit of defensive knowledge and understanding we still need to keep implementing, but he’s on the right track.” 

Jacob Bauer (eight disposals, five marks, one goal)
“Could’ve been a really strong game if he had his kicking boots on, four contested marks is his best return for a while. It was great to see him get on the board at the end and after some really strong showings, so it was a good step forward.” 

00:25

Sam Toner (seven disposals, four marks, three tackles, one goal)
“Didn’t stuff the stats sheet, but boy did he step in for some tackles and looks so desperate defensively as a kid that wants to stay in the team. Great to see him get some shots at goal and get his first goal in VFL.”

Tom Sims (seven disposals, six marks, six hit-outs, one goal)
“First game back at the VFL level for a while, didn’t stuff the stats sheet. He competed really strong in the air and knew that it was going to be four quarters of tough football where he had to just keep turning up and play as a big presence. He did that so it was good to see him get through.” 

Seth Macdonald (seven disposals, four marks, two goals)
“Thought he improved this week compared to the last few weeks, identified when he needed to play as a key and stand under the ball and bring it to ground. Then he knew when to open up space and be a bit more of a lead up forward. So great to see him get two goals for his hard work, and sometimes it takes until the backend of the game. Great to see him get his first goal in VFL.”

Sam Flockart (five disposals, one score involvement)
“Not a pretty game as a key forward, they flooded numbers back and he was often one vs two. I thought he battled manfully to try and bring the ball to ground for the most part. Taj Hotton gets his first goal in the VFL because Sam Flockart flies at the ball and gets a free kick for advantage. So despite Sam not getting his own lick of the ice cream, he brought players into the game, particularly our ground level players.”