Richmond received another valuable lesson en route to its 10th win of the season at Etihad Stadium yesterday (Sunday).
The Tigers led St Kilda by 52 points at three-quarter time and appeared on track for a percentage-boosting victory, but fell over the line by just 16 points after the Saints kicked 6.3 to 0.3 in the final term.
“It’s disappointing, when you have a commanding lead at three-quarter time, to let them even have a chance of coming back into the game,” Richmond captain Trent Cotchin told 3AW in a post-match interview.
VIDEO: Damien Hardwick and Jack Riewoldt’s post-game press conference
“You look at the Hawthorns of the competition, and they just keep that foot on the pedal and keep pressing on.
“We get away with the win, but not exactly how we wanted to.
“The challenge for us is to learn from those mistakes again . . . review that and make sure that we’re ready for a really good outfit next weekend.”
Richmond faces ladder leader Fremantle at the MCG in a big Saturday twilight fixture.
“We’re looking forward to that opportunity,” Cotchin said.
“Obviously, with a six-day break, the challenge is to get the body freshened up . . .
“It’s going to be a fantastic opportunity against a quality side, who, they (the football critics) keep talking are down and out, because of the Hawthorn loss, but we know that they’re winning and they’re on top of the ladder.”
