Richmond will take valuable momentum into the VFL season after it notched a thrilling two-point win over Essendon at the Club’s new facility at Tullamarine this afternoon.
In a fast-paced game that saw the lead change regularly, the Tigers overcame fast-starts from Essendon in every quarter to grind out a hard-fought win.
Liam McBean kicked four goals in Richmond’s fourth and final practice match of the pre-season, which featured 16 of the Club’s AFL-listed players.
McBean booted two goals inside the space of a minute to give the Tigers a quarter-time lead after Essendon went ahead early.
In his second game after returning from a hamstring injury, Dan Jackson was a constant presence in and around packs and won contested ball for the Tigers.
The reigning Jack Dyer Medallist amassed 15 possessions and used his body well, bumping and tackling hard to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Nathan Gordon took a strong mark to set up a Nathan Batsanis goal and soon after booted one of his own after Richmond pressed and tackled well inside forward 50.
Batsanis, who finished with two goals, set a high standard with his run and carry and decision-making under pressure.
Despite frequent momentum swings the Tigers fought hard and went into the main break with the scores level.
Anthony Miles was everywhere for Richmond and finished the game with a team-high 24 possessions, six tackles, four clearances and a goal. Fellow midfielder Matt McDonough (18 disposals) and Brad Helbig (16) also won a lot of the ball.
Goals from Brett O’Hanlon, Ryan Bathie and a classy snap from Sam Lloyd gave the Tigers a handy 16-point lead going into the final term.
Quick Essendon goals again put the Tigers under pressure but they rallied well, hit the front and then controlled the ball to secure a morale-boosting win.
Richmond 5.2 7.3 13.4 16.9 (105)
Essendon 4.2 7.3 10.6 15.13 (103)
Goals: McBean 4, Batsanis 2, Bathie 2, O’Hanlon 2, Lloyd 2, Elton, Miles, Gordon, Edwards
Best: Miles, McBean, Batsanis, Jackson, McDonough, Lloyd
