A strong contingent of AFL-listed players was not enough to get Richmond’s VFL team over the line against Essendon in a practice match on Saturday afternoon.
After allowing the Bombers a five-goal lead in the first quarter, the Tigers grappled for much of the afternoon to reel in the deficit.
The woes of the first quarter were compounded when Ty Vickery limped off just before quarter time.
Richmond coach Tim Clarke said post-game he was not yet aware of the extent of the injury.
“We will find out more. I just hope it’s okay. He’s been dropped and didn’t get the opportunity today to show that he can fight for his spot,” he said.
Of his team’s overall performance, Clarke said the difference in the game lay mostly in the Tigers’ inefficiency and wasted opportunities.
“We just needed to shut down their offensive ball movement. They had far too much possession and we weren’t good enough to close them down. When we had the footy we couldn’t control it,” he said.
“We didn’t dominate the inside 50s, but we had the same amount if not a couple more than them. They were just much more efficient than we were. Too often we picked the wrong option… and they went back the other way.
“So, from our point of view, we just need to work on our efficiency going forward and that comes with guys playing more together.
“Unfortunately some of our guys had last week off so they were a bit scratchy today. But they will be better for the run.”
The match also marked Jarryd Cachia’s first competitive match for the season, both as a Tiger and as the team’s captain. He collected 12 possessions and five clearances for the day, and Clarke said that he would only get better.
“He was a bit disappointed in his game. He felt at times he was running around and the ball kept going to another spot. But Jarryd’s going to be much better for the run and he will continue to improve as the weeks go on,” he said.
Despite the outcome, Clarke praised the performance of many of the AFL players pushing for senior selection.
“(Ricky) Petterd was terrific through the midfield and up forward, as was Matty McDonough.
“Dave Astbury was really strong as a defender - he didn’t get beaten all day and gave us plenty of support back there. Given that he was stung by a stingray a week and half ago, it’s a really good position he puts himself in.
“Kane Lambert was terrific as well. He really showed that he dominates this level of football. Now hopefully he can push for a senior game.
“Chris Knights was very good today as well. Great centre half-forward involvements and really impacted around the ball too.”
Knights finished with a team-high 28 disposals, and had four clearances and nine inside 50s.
Lambert and McDonough each collected 25 possessions, while Petterd won 24 touches and kicked two goals.
Others to shine included Ben Lennon, who finished with 14 possessions and two goals. Matt Arnot (17 disposals) and Corey Ellis (16 disposals and three clearances) were also very useful around stoppages.
The Tigers will hope to claim their first win of the pre-season when they take on Footscray at the ME Bank Centre next week.
Final scores:
Richmond - 11.13. 79
Essendon – 18.13. 121
Goals:
Richmond – Petterd 2, Lennon 2, Butler 2, Lambert, McDonough, Short, McBean, Gleeson.
Essendon – Kavanagh 3, McKenna 3, Hardingham 2, McKernan 2, Hams, Coghlan, Edwards, Merrett, Fantasia, Laverde, Giles, Tagliabue.
