Richmond’s VFL coach Craig McRae provides an exclusive summary of the AFL-listed players who featured in last Saturday’s second-round win over Footscray.
AFL-listed
Anthony Miles
30 disposals, 19 contested possessions, 12 tackles, nine clearances
Anthony returned from AFL duties, had 30 disposals but started a little slowly. He worked his way into the game and had significant impact. He looks ready for AFL opportunity.
Liam McBean
Five goals, 17 disposals, eight marks, two contested marks
Liam’s best game this season and we’re really pleased that he’s coming at the ball instead of waiting for the ball to come to him. His work-rate really increased this week.
Jake Batchelor
19 disposals, 11 marks, five tackles, 10 uncontested possessions
Jake played his best game for the year — having 11 marks and setting everything up from the back — he was hard to score against. He looks ready for AFL opportunity.
Jayden Short
21 disposals, 16 uncontested possessions, six marks, three tackles
Jayden returned from the AFL and was the carry over player so he had to fly back on the red-eye and really contributed well. He had three tackles, kicked 1.2 and set-up many others.
Steven Morris
20 disposals, 12 uncontested possessions, seven marks, three tackles
Continues his leadership — he’s such a strong voice and an inspiration on the field with his effort. He’s playing really good footy at the moment.
Oleg Markov
19 disposals, six marks, 12 uncontested possessions, three tackles
Oleg continued his good form, he seems like he’s getting better every week. He’s really athletic, carries the ball, runs long and he was really important in the structure as a wingman.
Jacob Townsend
19 disposals, 12 uncontested and 10 contested possessions, five tackles
Jacob played his first VFL game for the club and was really tough inside — all the things you’d expect from him. I still think there’s more growth in him in that role.
Nathan Broad
18 disposals, 15 uncontested possessions, five marks, nine handball receives
Played his best game for the club. He played on a wing and then went to half-back. Looked really composed on the wing and used the ball well. It was really pleasing for him to take a step forward.
Adam Marcon
19 disposals, four clearances, three tackles
Played a little bit forward, mid and wing so a few different roles for him this week but he still ended up with 19 disposals and four clearances. He impacted everywhere he went.
Jason Castagna
17 disposals, 12 uncontested possessions, four tackles, one goal
Played forward mainly. He got a lot of ball as a forward and impacted the scoreboard too, kicking 1.2 and laying four tackles. His pressure is something that’s been a highlight.
Todd Elton
15 disposals, six marks, seven contested and seven uncontested possessions
Todd was another that took a step forward with his game. He got a lot more of the footy this week, but it was his aggression in the contest which was the most pleasing thing.
Dan Butler
Two goals, 13 disposals, eight contested possessions
Dan returned from suspension, had 13 disposals, two goals and was really important with his work rate and energy at the front of the packs.
Mabior Chol
10 disposals, five tackles, two goals
Mabior had a slow start, lacked intensity, but he looked like he sparked himself into gear in the second half. He’s not far away from having a big impact in one of these games. He dropped a lot of marks that he could have taken but still ended up with two goals and is improving.
Ivan Maric
11 disposals, four clearances, 11 hit-outs
Looks ready to return to AFL level, he’s fit and well and covering the ground.
Callum Moore
Nine disposals, eight uncontested possessions, four marks
Returned from illness and played as a key-back. Going for his marks and taking the game on are his strengths and it was pleasing to see those things.
Ivan Soldo
15 hit-outs, three tackles, one goal
Continued his development as a ruckman. Had 15 hit-outs, the most on the ground, and was really important to clearance work.
VFL-listed
Tom Couch
27 disposals, 16 uncontested possessions, 15 handball receives, seven tackles
Tom continued his great form with 27 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven tackles, five clearances and a goal. Is inspiring teammates with his effort at the contest.
Sam Darley
25 disposals, 15 uncontested possessions, nine handball receives
Sam showed great leadership for the second week in a row. He’s leading from the front and getting on the end of everything. With 15 kicks, we want the ball in his hands.
Nick Mellington
18 disposals, two goals, 12 uncontested possessions, four clearances
Nick looks like a player in the making. Everywhere we put him he impacts. He ended up with two goals as we played him a little more forward this week, with the likes of Miles and Townsend in the midfield. We’re really happy with his development.
Tom Silvestro
12 disposals, four tackles, one goal
Our 23rd player, he’s really impressing with his energy and intent. His GPS running is through the roof. He was a really solid contributor for us.
Ryan Gale
11 disposals, seven marks
A great leader on the day for us. He was really hard to score against, he had seven marks and was really important in the backline set-up.
Tyson Kruse
11 disposals, 10 uncontested possessions, six marks
Tyson played his role really well and we’re pleased with his development. His ball use this week was much improved.
Anthony Scott
Seven disposals, three tackles
Anthony had limited game time but still played his role really well.
Richmond VFL takes on Frankston at Frankston Oval this Saturday, April 23 from 2pm