Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points from the Tigers’ Round 20 victory over Essendon at the MCG last Friday night.
1. Ivan Maric is a huge presence in Richmond’s line-up.
The big bloke really had to dig deep to overcome the challenge of talented, athletic Bomber ruckman Paddy Ryder, but he did it superbly. Maric just got better as the game went on, and he wore Ryder down through good, old-fashioned guts and determination. He again showed excellent leadership, taking some crucial contested marks late in the tense final quarter, at both ends of the ground and, fittingly, kicking the last goal of the match after the siren. With 16 disposals, including 10 contested possessions, five inside-50s, three clearances, along with six marks, four tackles and 22 hit-outs, plus his all-round inspirational qualities, Maric played a vital role in the Tigers’ success.
2. Richmond has a real weapon in its gun goalkicking midfielders.
The ability of Trent Cotchin, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin to impact the scoreboard is a major positive for the Tigers. They kicked four goals between them on Friday night and were a constant source of danger to the Bomber backs when they were isolated deep forward. There are precious few teams in the competition with three genuine ‘mids’, who can play out-out from the goal square. Goal-a-game mids are worth their weight in gold in the AFL. Martin has 11 goals in the past nine games, Cotchin nine in the past six, and Deledio eight in the past eight.
3. Nathan Gordon was a valuable contributor to the Tigers’ win.
Gordon certainly made the most of the eight disposals he had on Friday night. He booted two critical goals, including one from a really brave effort, where he stood steadfast under the in-coming ball, was crunched and given a free kick, which he duly converted from a tight angle, set another one up for Brett Deledio, and applied some strong pressure right throughout the match to the Essendon defenders. The ex-Swan has been a handy ‘sub’ in his debut season for Richmond, but it was great to see him grasping the opportunity of a full game against the Bombers. He has the ‘tank’ and pace to become a key member of the Tigers’ team in that important half-forward role.
4. Ben Griffiths had a genuine impact up forward and as ruck back-up.
Griffiths showed some really impressive signs, taking several strong marks and kicking a big goal. His work-rate is improving, and a willingness to get to more contests is the key to him cementing himself as a senior regular. Clearly, Griffiths has plenty of talent. His long kicking, in particular, is a major weapon for him, as he can roost the ball over the top of so much congestion and, as a result, provide one-on-one opportunities for the Tiger forwards. He had 15 disposals, with four inside-50s, plus eight marks on Friday night, and if he can maintain, or build, on those sort of numbers, he’ll be able to realise his potential.
5. Anthony Miles has to be the value recruit of the year.
The hard-working ‘ball-magnet’ set the tone early for the Tigers with an excellent opening term, where he picked up 14 disposals. He continued to provide great drive through the midfield for the entire match, finishing with an equal-team high 28 touches, including an equal-game high 12 contested possessions, a game-high seven clearances, five rebound-50s, plus six marks, to be best-on-ground, in my opinion. Miles, quite simply, has been a revelation since forcing his way into Richmond’s side a couple of months ago, after being discarded by Greater Western Sydney at the end of last season. He’s picked up 20 disposals or more seven times in his nine games with the Tigers and is averaging just over 24 touches per match. I’m very pleased to hear that Richmond is currently in the process of negotiating a new contract with Miles. He thoroughly deserves it.
6. Richmond should take a nothing-to-lose attitude into next Saturday’s clash with Adelaide.
While the football media will build this match up into a mini-final, and it shapes as an absorbing contest, the Tigers just need to keep it all in perspective. They’ve come from nowhere to get within striking distance of the top eight, but it’s more important they simply focus on doing what they have been doing right, rather than allowing thoughts to stray to finals. The Tigers’ record on the road this season is pretty good (three wins from four games), so they should just enjoy the experience of getting away together and then playing on the superbly-revamped Adelaide Oval for the first time. It’s another opportunity for them to show the Yellow and Black faithful that they are significantly better than what they displayed during the first half of this season.
