Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points arising from the Tigers’ 41-point victory over Hawthorn at the MCG last Saturday.
- Trent Cotchin will again poll very well in the Brownlow Medal.
Although Cotchin hasn’t been quite as consistent as he was last year, when he finished equal-runner-up in the game’s most prestigious individual award, I still expect him to ensure Richmond has a strong presence on Brownlow night this year. His form is on the rise at the right time of the season, as the Tigers strive for that long-awaited finals appearance. The young Tiger captain led the way against the Hawks with a superb midfield display, racking up a game-high 34 disposals, including a game-high 18 contested possessions and a game-high nine clearances. I reckon he’s got four or five best-on-grounds already from the umpires, and probably a minimum of 15 votes, with still four rounds to go. Gary Ablett is home-and-hosed, as far as I’m concerned, to take out his second Brownlow, but I’m confident Cotchin will pick up plenty of votes.
- Steve Morris had the best three-possession game I can recall.
Morris enhanced his reputation as one of the most determined, disciplined and valuable small defenders in the competition with his shutdown role on dangerous Hawk small forward Cyril Rioli. Although Morris was credited with just the three disposals, it was his ability throughout to stick tightly to Rioli, and not allow him any latitude, that played a crucial role in the Richmond win. Morris kept Rioli to only seven touches and no goals, which was a mighty effort on such a quality opponent. It’s no wonder Steve Morris is so highly regarded at Tigerland . . .
- Daniel Jackson has become a goalkicking weapon for the Tigers.
In the 10th season of his AFL career, Dan Jackson is now a reliable goalkicker. He has already kicked a career-high 14 goals this season (beating his previous best return of 10) and some of them have been highlight-reel specials. I’m not sure every one of them was meant to go through the big sticks, ie the freakish left-foot one, from a very tight angle, that rolled over the line in the last quarter of Saturday’s win against the Hawks. The fact is, however, that Jackson has scored at least one goal in each of the team’s past seven games, and on three occasions this season he’s finished with multiple goals. This recently-acquired goalkicking ability has made the tough midfielder an even more valuable member of the Tigers’ line-up.
- Even the competition’s elite are taking notice of Nick Vlastuin.
I was a panellist on Channel Seven’s ‘Game Day’ last Sunday, along with Hawthorn captain Luke Hodge, who agreed with me about the impact talented Tiger teenager Nick Vlastuin has had in his debut season of league football. After another highly-impressive display by Vlastuin, in last Saturday’s clash with Hawthorn, Hodge was full of praise for the 19-year-old. “One thing I noticed playing against him was his composure,” Hodge said. “When he got the ball and there was pressure on him, in wet conditions, his composure was outstanding.” As I’ve said on more than the odd occasion this season, Nick Vlastuin just does the right thing at the right time. He doesn’t try and create something out of nothing, he puts his head over the ball, he’s very hard and skilful, he just makes the right decisions, and he plays beyond his years . . .
- Richmond’s defence is now one of its key strengths.
When you consider that in the Tigers’ last seven wins this season, the highest number of goals they have conceded is 10 (by Adelaide in Round 12), you realise just how well their defence is performing. Even the powerful Hawthorn forward line-up was kept well in check by the Tiger backs, with the Hawks managing to score just nine goals all-up, and none from the likes of Roughead, Rioli, Gunston and Breust (and just one by Franklin). It’s a good defensive blend, with Bachar Houli’s rebound matched with Alex Rance’s elite interception, Steve Morris’ fierce desire, Chris Newman’s vast experience and football nous, and Troy Chaplin’s composure. If you want to go deep into September, then it comes down to your capacity to restrict the opposition’s scoring. Richmond is developing really well in this vital area of the game.
- Surely the Tigers have now silenced the critics by taking a big scalp.
When Richmond convincingly defeated Fremantle at the MCG in Round 17, that win was somewhat dismissed by critics due to the fact the Dockers had several of their key players out. The Tigers then were well beaten by Sydney at the SCG, prompting the knockers to question their capabilities against the competition’s very best teams. Well, those critics should be eating a decent slice of humble pie this week after Richmond’s dismantling of 2012 Grand Finalist Hawthorn at the ‘G last Saturday. The Tigers had even contributions right across the board, they again dominated clearances, scoring nine goals to three from stoppages, they were really hard at the contest, they spread well, they were resilient, and they maximised their opportunities. It was a mature, professional performance against top-class opposition.
