A third-quarter resurgence has led the Richmond VFL squad to a comprehensive win over the Northern Blues at Preston City Oval on Saturday afternoon.
After an evenly contested and low scoring first half, largely due to the torrential rain and hail that punctuated the second quarter, the Tigers lifted in the second half, culminating in a five goal to one final term in Richmond’s favour.
VFL coach Tim Clarke said he was thrilled with the players’ endeavour around the contest.
“We had wind today, we had rain today and our boys kept adjusting. The way they competed inside, the way they tackled, and put the Blues players under pressure was terrific,” he said.
“We had that expectation at our footy club this weekend, both last night and today. I thought the midfielders led the way in that area after quarter time and it was really pleasing.”
Clarke shrugged off suggestions that missed scoring opportunities early could have ultimately cost the team, with both teams held goalless in the second quarter.
“I think it’s hard sometimes to talk too much about how the boys convert goals. It’s more about trying to find a free target, trying to get more central shots on goal,” he said.
“The reason we won the game in the end was the way the players competed. Richmond footy is in, it’s hard and we try to make the game as physical as we can to win the game.”
AFL utility Dave Astbury played an influential game up forward and kicked two crucial goals late in the game, which spurred the Tigers to victory.
“The best thing about Dave is he is starting to get back to his best footy,” Clarke said.
“Whether he is playing forward or back for us, we are trying to train him up as that utility. He’s really starting to jump up at the ball now. He took a couple of strong contested marks today in wet conditions.
“He’s going to be a really valuable player for our footy club in the next eight to 10 weeks so we need to get him up and coming so when an opportunity comes he’s ready to take it.”
Recently-upgraded rookie Matt Thomas continued his exciting recent form, leading the charge once again in applying pressure around the contest. He collected 27 touches, won nine clearances and applied 11 tackles.
Matt McDonough (23 disposals) and Ben Lennon (25 disposals) both had solid games on the wing and up forward, joining Thomas in putting their hands up for senior selection.
Richmond returns to the ME Centre next Sunday for its Round 14 clash with Port Melbourne.
FINAL SCORES
Richmond 2.0 2.3 4.4 9.9 (63)
Northern Blues 2.2 3.6 4.6 5.9 (39)
GOALS
Richmond: McBean 2, Astbury 2, Scott, Cachia, Knights, McKenzie, McDonough
Northern Blues: Johnson 2, Watson, Viojo, Jaksch
BEST
Richmond: Thomas, Kruse, Astbury, McKenzie, McDonough, Barlow
