Richmond’s VFL coach Craig McRae provides an exclusive summary of the AFL and VFL-listed players who featured in last Saturday’s match against North Ballarat.
AFL-listed
Adam Marcon
26 disposals, 11 uncontested marks, seven tackles
Continued his great form at VFL level. Played mainly in the midfield, but also spent some time up forward. Finished with 26 disposals, 11 marks and seven tackles. He could’ve had a really big day if he’d converted three shots for goal which resulted in three behinds.
Jacob Townsend
25 disposals, 17 tackles, one goal, seven clearances
Played his best game for the Club. We gave him a role playing on a quality opponent in Nick Rippon, and he kept him to 10 disposals for the three quarters he was on him. He had 25 (disposals) of his own, along with seven clearances, 17 tackles and a goal in a great performance.
Jason Castagna
22 disposals, 19 uncontested possessions, 13 handball-receives
Returned from the AFL with an excellent attitude. Had 22 disposals off half-back, four tackles, led the way again for the team with handball receives (13), and kept his opponent goalless.
Reece Conca
22 disposals, six clearances, seven tackles
Played about 75 per cent of game time in his return from long-term injury. Was clean and tough inside in his midfield role, and a really important contributor with his 22 disposals, which included six clearances. Set up many forward opportunities for the team.
Andrew Moore
19 disposals, 11 uncontested possessions, four tackles
Played on a wing to try and add some flexibility to his game. Had 19 disposals, with a lot of handballs in tight. We’re looking for him to break through and find space and give us another avenue to goal.
Nathan Broad
18 disposals, seven uncontested marks, 12 uncontested possessions
Continued his fine form from the previous week, where he was one of our best players. Again set up plenty of rebound-50s for us. Looks like he’s really improving and hitting his best form.
Callum Moore
Four goals, 18 disposals, five marks
Started forward after we trialled him there for a half in the previous round. Kicked 4.3, which was a great return, and showed what he’s capable of with his playing attributes. His contested marking, in particular, stood out. He’s an exciting prospect up forward for us.
Oleg Markov
13 disposals, six uncontested marks, six inside 50s, one goal
Played wing and a little bit off half-back. He had some really important, impressive moments in the match, particularly in the last quarter, when he had four bounces in carrying the ball half the field, and kicked a superb, inspirational goal. Is another exciting prospect for the Club.
Dave Astbury
12 disposals, seven uncontested marks, 11 uncontested possessions
Played as a key defender and took seven marks for the game – five of them intercept grabs. Was an important contributor for the team with his ability to stabilise our backline when the ball went inside the opposition’s forward-50 area. Looks like he’s in good form.
Ivan Maric
38 hit-outs, five tackles, 10 disposals
Dominated the hit-outs (38), had five tackles and also carried the ball at times. Had a big presence for us and was important in the outcome of the match.
Liam McBean
Four goals, 10 disposals, seven marks
Another team member who played his role well. Four goals (4.2) was a good outcome for him on the back of hitting up on the lead and taking five marks inside 50.
Ivan Soldo
16 hit-outs, three tackles
Unfortunately received a head knock in the second quarter and didn’t play the rest of the game.
VFL-listed
Sam Darley
23 disposals, 10 handball-receives, 15 uncontested possessions
Was named in the VFL representative side on the back of his good form this season. He continued that against North Ballarat. Playing off half-back, he had 23 disposals, 10 handball-receives and provided plenty of run out of defence.
Jacob Ballard
20 disposals, two goals, 14 uncontested possessions
Used in a forward role, he kicked two goals, had 20 disposals, and looked like he was finding some really good form in his second game for us. Shapes as an important player in the second half of the season.
Tom Couch
20 disposals, seven clearances, seven tackles, 14 contested possessions
Has been our most consistent player this season. Maintained his high level of performance, finishing with 20 disposals, including 14 contested possessions, plus seven tackles.
Nick Mellington
20 disposals, six marks, 14 uncontested possessions, four tackles
He’s been a good role player for us on a wing and through the midfield. Has a very bright football future and is adding good depth to our midfield.
Tom Langford
13 disposals, 11 uncontested possessions, nine handball receives
He’s one of our leaders and really showed the way off half-back and the wing, setting up a lot of play, through rebound-50s and the like. Was important in the outcome.
Ash Morris
13 disposals, five marks, three tackles
Played his first game of VFL football. He had a really good pre-season, waited for his opportunity, and took it. He’s a classy ball user, really composed, and appears to have a bright future at VFL level.
Anthony Scott
Three goals, 13 disposals, four goals
Played as a small forward and leading hit-up player, which is something he hadn’t done previously. Kicked three goals in an exciting performance.
Tom Silvestro
13 disposals, one goal, six tackles
Played as a forward in a slightly different role for him, too. Had six tackles, four of them inside-50, and his pressure and elite running were a feature.
Ryan Gale
11 disposals, six uncontested marks, eight uncontested possessions
Played his role as a key defender extremely well and kept his opponent goalless.
Daniel Coffield
Nine disposals, four marks
Our 23rd player on the day, he’s another that looks really composed, he’s played his third game now - looks like he’s a readymade VFL player.
Ryan Bathie
Two goals, nine disposals, three inside 50s
Came in for his first game for the year with us. Played second ruck and also key forward. Kicked two goals in a lively display and his work-rate was exemplary.
