The VFL Tigers sealed a coveted top eight position on Sunday, defeating Sandringham to the tune of 70 points at the Swinburne Centre on Sunday.
The hosts held the lead at every change and rarely looked back as they surged to the emphatic victory in front of a home crowd.
Sam Lloyd was the clear standout on the day, recording 50 disposals* and four goals, while Anthony Miles’ 45 disposals was also a feature for the victorious Tigers.
Richmond VFL and development coach Craig McRae said the relentless performance was a good sign ahead of finals.
“It was absolutely a great team performance,” McRae said.
“We’ve talked before how we want to turn this side into a strong defensive unit, and build our attack from there.
“The way a few of our backs played, like Hugh Beasley and Jake Batchelor, was fantastic to see.
“It’s great to get a finals spot, but we’ll still go into next week like any other game, and show respect to our opponents.”
With the Zebras fighting for their own place in the finals series, the VFL Tigers were put on the back foot early, with Jack Lonie slotting truly from Sandringham’s first entry inside-50.
This stirred the VFL Tigers into action, and Connor Menadue was quick to respond with a running finish, before Lloyd and Stengle got their first goals to establish some much-needed breathing space at the first break.
Corey Ellis was dangerous in the opening term, nailing a classy goal from 50 metres out and collecting 12 disposals in an industrious performance, while Jake Batchelor established his usually dominant presence at the heart of the backline.
After some encouraging words from McRae at the first stop, the VFL Tigers then blitzed the Zebras in the opening minutes of the second stanza, booting three goals in six minutes to establish a stranglehold on the match.
The VFL Tigers’ leading goal kicker Ben Lennon put two of those to his name, while the hard-working Callum Moore was rewarded for his persistence with a booming set shot from 50 metres out.
Shai Bolton worked hard to crumb his own ball and kick truly for his first of the day, before Steven Morris soccered one home from the goal square to mark his return from injury in style.
The trademark high-pressure style of the VFL Tigers was on show for all to see, establishing dominance in tackles (+6), contested possessions (+3) and disposals (+40) to match their dominance on the scoreboard.
With a 46-point lead under their belts at the half, the hosts did not fall into the trap of complacency, maintaining the intensity at every contest into the third stanza.
While a determined Sandringham outfit managed to start the half with two goals, Todd Elton and Jayden Short nailed consecutive majors to stem the flow of pressure, before a Lloyd screamer and subsequent goal had the Tiger fans on their feet.
With the game all but over at the final stop, there was enough time for one more feel good moment, with Shaun Hampson foraying forward to kick his first goal since returning from injury two weeks ago., much to the delight of his teammates.
Hampson managed to get one more for the day to round off an impressive individual tally that also included 21 hitouts, while Miles, Lennon, Elton and the ever-impressive Lloyd were on hand to hammer home the advantage with the last four goals of the game.
With a spot in the finals series now guaranteed, the VFL Tigers look to next week’s clash with 13th-placed Coburg to round out the 2017 home-and-away season.
*Some statistics may be subject to change upon review later in the week.
