There’s nothing quite like beating a rival as a sports fan, and that was delivered to the Tiger faithful last week when Richmond bested Essendon in the annual Dreamtime at the ‘G clash.

I’m sure that there would be a few Tiger fans out there that, no matter what place Richmond finished on the ladder, they would be content with beating Carlton, Collingwood and Essendon in the one season.

With 83,000 people packing out the MCG, it was a sign that both Essendon and Richmond are on their way back to the promised land as both sides have certainly stepped up with their play this season.

Just on the game it was a great example of how far this footy club has come over the past 18 months. Much has been made of the fringe players such as Jake King and Robin Nahas who have turned up their level of play to a height that was originally thought to be out of reach.

However, the younger brigade who aren’t always talked about down at Tigerland have been just as important in Richmond’s development this season. Players like Tyrone Vickery, Alex Rance, Jake Batchelor and Reece Conca haven’t been getting the accolades that Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin have been getting, but their development and ability they have shown to work their way into the side has been a huge bonus for Richmond this season.

It was also good to see Conca be awarded with a Rising Star nomination during the week. It probably came a month later than when it should have, but nonetheless its great recognition for the start of the season that he has had.
The boys head to Darwin now to face Port Adelaide who, to put it lightly, have been far from impressive this season.

However, this is all the more reason that Richmond should consider this a danger game. If Richmond wants to regain the respect it once had within the league, its games like this weekend’s that they need to consistently come up trumps in.

Being in neutral territory could well be seen as a plus, although the Power have played a few matches in Darwin over the past few seasons so they will certainly have the jump on us in terms of climate and how to best prepare for it.

The bookies have also heavily installed us as favourites which is always somewhat of a novelty being a Richmond supporter, but I think they are probably right in doing so this week.

Port Adelaide are very much going in with a team filled with youth, and although the side we field won’t be a lot older, if at all, the games we have gotten into our younger players I’d imagine will hold them in great stead against their opponents from South Australia.
Hopefully this week is the week that sees us finally re-enter the top eight.

Go Tiges!