Despite an impressive performance from Shaun Grigg in his return from a hamstring injury, the Tigers struggled in the second half and fell to ladder-leader Port Melbourne by 42 points at the ME Bank Centre on Saturday afternoon.
Grigg, playing his first game in six weeks, worked hard for four quarters, won the inside ball and was the Tigers’ leading ball winner with 30 disposals. He also had nine clearances, eight tackles and was able to sneak forward to kick a goal.
Ben Lennon (27 possessions, five inside 50s) also impressed with another influential display and constantly surged Richmond forward with his long kicking and run.
Fellow young Tiger Liam McBean again hit the scoreboard with two goals and battled hard in slippery conditions proving tough for tall forwards.
The Tigers started well and matched the Borough in a tough, tight opening term that saw the home side lead after goals from Grigg, McDonough and Knights.
Ben Griffiths regained some form with a solid performance that saw him present well and take 10 marks. He also slotted an important second-quarter goal to keep the Tigers within striking distance.
Port Melbourne, who kicked inaccurately all day, were still able to regain the lead at half time as Richmond struggled to get their hands on the ball and keep it forward. Nick Wynne (23 disposals) again worked hard to find the ball and use it well, as did skipper Ross Young.
After the main break the Tigers were overrun by a rampant Borough who slammed home five goals to build a match-winning lead and eventually won comfortably.
RICHMOND 3.2 4.2 6.2 8.7 (55)
PORT MELB. 2.2 5.11 10.17 13.19 (97)
Goals: McBean 2, McDonough 2, Arnot, Griffiths, Knights, Grigg
Best: Grigg, Lennon, Wynne, Griffiths, A. Edwards
