Richmond’s VFL side has ended its pre-season campaign after succumbing to a rampaging Essendon by 77 points at Punt Rd Oval.
On a balmy Friday evening, the Bombers blitzed the Tigers with a six-goal-to-nil opening term, which ultimately set-up the win, Essendon 21.7.(133) defeating Richmond 8.8.(56).
The Bombers simply outworked and outclassed their counterparts from the get-go, as the Tigers wilted under the pressure.
The shellshocked Tigers reset at quartertime after trailing by 38 points and begun getting the game played on their terms for patches in the second quarter.
Developing key-defender Todd Elton improved his defensive positioning and began controlling the ball in the air, while industrious midfielders Adam Marcon and Dan Butler lifted.
However, as was the story of the night, turnovers gifted the Bombers easy goals, and restricted the Tigers from gaining any significant momentum.
The Richmond faithful had to wait until halfway through the second term to cheer on a major, as rebounding defender Jason Castagna slotted his set-shot, after a nice assist from Mabior Chol.
Chol showed some promising signs across half-forward, and continually provided a solid contest in the air, and at ground level, with his speed, spring and agility standing out.
The Tigers’ pressure around the ball lifted, allowing them to hold the ball in their front half for chunks of time in the second term, but missed opportunities cost them dearly.
Budding Tiger midfielder Butler impressed again with his speed and tenacity around the contest, and has put together a string of solid performances.
Patches of improvement in the second term were quickly frittered away, as the Tigers leaked easy goals on the rebound, and faced a seven-goal deficit heading into halftime.
Too many times, two, three or even four Bombers were seen streaming towards goal, as they sweat on any errant Richmond disposal and made them pay—with interest.
Any chance of an unlikely comeback in the third term were swiftly erased, as the Bombers opened the second half with three goals in as many minutes, racing to a ten-goal lead.
The ease in which the Bombers were allowed to waltz into open goal was concerning, as the Tigers constantly turned the footy over, which caught their defenders out of position.
Richmond struggled to maintain possession, and as a consequence, the game was played predominantly in Essendon’s half, allowing them to slam on seven-goals-to-two for the quarter.
Energetic Tiger wingman Oleg Markov’s chase down tackle on the outer wing provided a rare third quarter highlight, as he finished the game with a team-high eight tackles.
Rookie Tiger defender Callum Moore’s intercept marking was another promising sign of his development, while Elton again tried his best to repel countless Bomber attacks.
Richmond saved its best quarter for last, and Elton was swung forward to provide a strong aerial contest, and the ploy worked as he capped off a pleasing display.
Chol’s juggling mark and subsequent goal from an acute angle to begin the final quarter delighted the crowd and sparked Richmond into action.
The Tiger key-forwards, although lacking in quality and and quantity of supply had to lift, and they did so in the final term.
Liam McBean showed glimpses of improvement, and assisted Elton with his only goal of the night.
McBean kicked one himself as his workrate and mobility lifted.
Callum Moore showed courage flying back with the flight of the ball late in the game, with his intercept marking improving on a weekly basis.
Moore has enjoyed an encouraging first pre-season at Tigerland and will hopefully build on that over the upcoming season and cement his spot in the key defensive posts.
Tireless Richmond midfielder Adam Marcon (25 disposals and 8 clearances) battled against the tide, while Ben Lennon (18 disposals) and Andrew Moore (21 disposals and 5 clearances) could press for senior selection.
The Tigers lost the final term marginally, and now face the daunting task of reigning premiers Williamstown at Burbank Oval on Sunday 10 April to kick-off the season.
