Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points from the Tigers’ Round 14 loss to Sydney at the MCG last Friday night.

1. Trent Cotchin set the tone early.

Cotchin was the catalyst for Richmond seizing the early initiative in the contest, and breaking away to a 26-point advantage at one stage during the second quarter, through his excellent midfield work.  The Tigers’ captain had 14 disposals in the opening term and gathered a further eight in the second quarter, to really put his stamp on the match.  Although he was quieter during the last half, I thought he displayed impressive, overall, leadership, and it was good to see him win more ball on the outside, as he’s always been such a strong, contested-ball player.

2. Dustin Martin is maturing into a top-class midfielder.

Martin’s consistency over the full four quarters in matches has been the most pleasing aspect of his game this season.  Previously, Martin would produce brilliant bursts of football that captured the imagination of the football world, but he didn’t quite have the ‘tank’ to sustain his efforts for a whole match.  That’s no longer the case, with Martin still running hard in last quarters and having a significant impact all the way through.  He finished with an equal career-high (and equal team-high) 36 disposals against the Swans, including an equal team-high 12 contested possessions, equal team-high five clearances and five rebound-50s.  I’d be very surprised if he hasn’t taken a clear lead in the Club’s Best and Fairest count after 13 games.  What I also like about Martin is the fact he doesn’t want to speak about himself in post-match media interviews . . . he always talks team.

3. Alex Rance has become one of the best key defenders in the competition.

I know that ‘Buddy’ Franklin ended up kicking four goals, and ultimately lifted Sydney to victory, but I thought Alex Rance won an absorbing duel with him on the night.  A couple of the goals Franklin kicked weren’t Rance’s fault at all (one being a very questionable free kick against) and, overall, he did a superb job on the Swans’ superstar spearhead, consistently beating him in the one-on-one contests.  I love the way Rance constantly tries to create the play from defence with his anticipation and interception ability.  He leads by example, genuinely cares about his teammates, and is a real leader in this team now.

4. Richmond is a much better team with Ivan Maric out there.

After missing nearly all the first half of season, recovering from an ankle injury, Maric is showing good signs of building up to some strong form.  He had 17 disposals on Friday night, including four clearances and took an equal game-high eight marks.  Maric has impressive mobility for a player of his size, which enables him to exert a significant influence around the ground.  The Tigers really benefit with what Maric provides them, both from a performance perspective and a leadership viewpoint.  One thing you can be guaranteed with the big bloke – he’ll always give it everything he’s got on the field of battle.  You’ve got to admire that . . .

5. Troy Chaplin is regaining his 2013 form.

It’s taken a while, but the authority Chaplin displayed across the backline throughout his first season at Tigerland last year, which culminated in him finishing third in the Jack Dyer Medal, is now returning to his game.  Chaplin picked up 23 disposals and took seven marks against the Swans, to be one of Richmond’s best players on the night.  Importantly, he is starting to again win the one-on-one duels with his opponents and generate drive out of defence for the team.  The Tigers benefit significantly with Chaplin playing that sweeping/goalkeeper-type role so effectively.

6. The Tigers must cash in on their improved efforts over the past couple of weeks.

Against Fremantle in Round 13, and then Sydney last Friday night, Richmond started to control the tempo of the matches, which is really important.  The Swans are rated the best team on the inside in the competition, yet the Richmond players were able to match it with them right throughout the game.  To my way of thinking, that was a big step forward for the Tigers.  What they have to do now, is convert that much better work rate and effort, into victories.  With games coming up in the next two weeks against St Kilda (Etihad Stadium) and Brisbane (MCG), it’s time for Richmond to start stringing some wins together.