Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke provides an exclusive summary of how the Tigers’ AFL-listed players performed in last Saturday’s match against Collingwood at Victoria Park.
Matt Arnot
20 disposals, six clearances, seven tackles
Returned from a hand injury, which had sidelined him for a few weeks, and settled really well back into the side. Was very good around the ball. Provided us with a real contested nut inside, which is what we expected from him.
Chris Knights
20 disposals, four clearances, two goals
Spent the majority of the match rotating through the midfield and half-forward. Produced another consistent performance, picking up 20 disposals and having plenty of centre-forward involvements. Hopefully he continues to make good progress in his comeback from a hamstring injury.
Dan Butler
14 disposals, six tackles, two goals
Found more of the ball than in his previous games since returning from long-term injury. Was still a bit rusty with the way that he used it offensively, but his tackling pressure, and ability to compete in the contest, continues to improve. We’re confident he can finish the season well with a solid game this weekend.
Liam McBean
Five goals, 14 disposals, five marks
Showed significant improvement in the critical contests, and it was pleasing to see him finish with five goals. He has no trouble hitting the scoreboard – the focus is on how he is kicking his goals and competing in the contest, which he’s getting much better at. Will be looking to strengthen his claims for senior selection with a good finish to the VFL season.
VFL Round 19: McBean's five goals
Matt McDonough
14 disposals, seven clearances, five tackles
Was a bit quiet in terms of statistical numbers, but his inside game was outstanding. Won plenty of football in and around the contest, which is a feature of his game. His focus now is to win more outside ball and, if he can do that, he’ll start pushing for senior selection.
Connor Menadue
13 disposals
Played a combination of half-back and wing. Got his running game up and going, which was really good to see. We know when he is playing well that he’s running from behind the ball and getting involved. That’s what we saw from him against Collingwood last Saturday.
Reece McKenzie
11 disposals, six marks, two goals
Hit the scoreboard with two goals and again took some strong marks. His critical-contest work continues to be first class, and he’s going from strength to strength each week. Really pleased with the progress he’s made throughout his first year in the system.
Todd Elton
Nine disposals, five marks
Did a good defensive job on experienced Collingwood’s AFL-listed big forward Jesse White. Kept him to only took a few marks and a couple of goals in a game we lost by 80 points. Continues to work on trying to find ways to win the ball back off the opposition. We hope he can develop this in his game, so he can stake claims for senior selection if a key defender is required.
Nathan Gordon
Nine disposals, three marks
Had a quiet day playing wing and half-forward. We expect better from him.
Jason Castagna
Eight disposals, three tackles
Was quiet compared to his impressive performances over the past few weeks. Played a combination of half-back and through the midfield. We also expected a better game from him.
Shaun Hampson
Seven disposals, 28 hit-outs
His ruckwork in getting our midfielders first use again was outstanding, but he needed to impact the game around the ground more. That will be a key focus area for him.
Ivan Soldo
Seven disposals, seven hit-outs
Had more of the ball than what he had previously. His second efforts and clearance work was a highlight of his game. Had some good follow-up tackles. Continues to develop as a ruckman and we’re really impressed with what he’s been able to do this season, and excited about his playing future.
