Richmond VFL coach Tim Clarke concedes the Tigers were convincingly beaten in contested ball on the weekend and will focus on improving their inside work for the match against quality opposition, Collingwood this weekend.

A disappointed Clarke said North Ballarat’s stoppage dominance was the difference on the weekend and led to the last quarter blowout that undermined the hard-working Tigers’ earlier efforts.

“They beat us inside all day,” Clarke told Roar Vision. “They came to play, they really won the inside ball, they got it going their way and in the last quarter the floodgates opened.”

“It was a heap of little incidents that ended up resulting in a 10 goals to two last quarter. I think at the 10-minute mark we were four points down and then to lose like that was pretty disappointing.”

Experienced ruckman Orren Stephenson, who kicked multiple goals and dominated the ruck, along young forward Sam Lloyd and a strong contingent of VFL-listed defenders contributed well on the day.

“[Orren’s] hands are much better now, he’s really marking the ball well. He’s having a solid impact, so it’s just a matter of time for him to hopefully get a game or two [at senior level] before the end of the season.”

“Nick [Wynne] has played a few good weeks now. He’s playing across our half back line and he’s really starting to come into the team … he was well supported this week down back by James Wall and Ed Barlow, they were terrific.”

“Dan Schibeci played his second game, which was really good for him. They were all solid contributors on the day.”

Clarke is wary of Collingwood’s midfield depth and imposing ball-winning ability, and says the contested ball will again be the Tigers’ focus in the important clash at Morwell Recreational Reserve this weekend.

“We were beaten really badly in the middle of the ground this week and that’s a strength of theirs, the contested football,” he said.

“We need to make sure we have a look at that during the week and make sure our players come out ready for that contest.”

“We know if we win the ball inside, we’ve got the outside game to be able to really put pressure on sides.”