Another late fade-out has contributed to a second sizeable loss for Richmond’s VFL squad, going down to Box Hill by 39 points on Saturday afternoon.
While Richmond won the possession count and remained within striking distance in the first half, the Hawks controlled the momentum of the game throughout, building their lead during the third quarter.
VFL coach Tim Clarke put the loss down to a lack of composure around the ground, and an inability to score early.
“The boys’ effort and intensity in the contest was terrific early, we just kicked 1.7 before we kicked a second goal, so it was disappointing that we couldn’t put any scoreboard pressure on again,” he said.
“And then the turnovers, we just kept giving them back the ball. Our boys kept trying but we just kept giving them easy goals and against a really good quality team, which Box Hill is, you just can’t afford to do that.
“A number of different individuals lacked composure at times, but we just need to be better as a group. We need the forwards up the ground and the backs behind the ball to be in better positions. We also need the guy with the footy to make a better call.”
Richmond was held goalless in the first quarter, despite having a large amount of the ball. The Tigers struggled to make the most of their opportunities, creating a litany of turnovers in the midfield, which the Hawks capitalised on.
The first goal of the day came in the opening minutes of the second quarter, when Liam McBean took a strong mark on two Box Hill defenders in the goal square.
McBean went on to kick five goals, the highest of any player on the ground.
The game opened up in the second quarter, but the Hawks managed to gain some ascendency in the third, with Richmond unable to break through Box Hill’s defensive zone to create goals for themselves.
Of the 14 AFL-listed players, Matt Thomas and Matt McDonough were the most notable around the contest. They collected 35 and 27 disposals respectively, but were unable to initiate much offensive movement from their efforts.
Matt Dea (28 possessions) and Jason Castagna (20) were once again instrumental in Richmond’s early rebound off the half-back line, but struggled to impact the game late.
The VFL squad has a bye next weekend, but will return to the ME Centre the following week to play Coburg.
FINAL SCORES
Box Hill 3.4 5.6 11.6 15.7.97
Richmond 0.4 1.7 5.9 8.10.58
BEST
McBean, McDonough, Thomas, Dea, McQualter, Arnot, Castagna
GOALS
McBean 5, Mellington, McKenzie, Wall
