Richmond’s VFL side struggled to utilise the breeze against Williamstown, going down to the in-form side by 70 points at Burbank Oval on Saturday afternoon.
The Tigers fielded 16 AFL-listed players and fought well but couldn’t convert their hard work into scoreboard pressure, and were well held by a classy Williamstown team.
Ty Vickery and Jake King were lively early and both booted goals to give the Tigers a perfect start, but the Seagulls hit back with five of their own.
Anthony Miles’ impressive form saw him tagged for the majority of the game but the ex-Giant lifted again. Despite the close attention, he was constantly first to ball and collected a team-high 31 disposals and six clearances.
Richmond kicked with the wind in the second term but found it difficult to get past a solid Williamstown defence. Jake Batchelor was a loose man down back for the Tigers, but moved up the ground and constantly provided inside-50 entries.
Batchelor set up a Todd Elton goal, worked tirelessly in the backline spoiling well and finished with 30 possessions in what was his best game of 2014.
Ben Lennon (28 possessions) also delivered his best performance for the Tigers floating across the half-back line. He presented well, moved the ball on quickly and took 16 marks.
Skipper Ross Young was again good through the midfield but his side trailed by five goals at the main break.
Richmond found it difficult to keep the ball forward and was hurt by Williamstown on the fast break. Multiple 50-metre penalties and turnovers in the midfield made the going tough for the Tigers.
Matt McDonough collected 20 touches and was a standout with his run and carry while Brad Helbig had five rebound 50s.
Liam McBean, who finished with three goals, regularly led up the ground to ensure he had an influence, but it wasn’t enough for the Tigers on the day.
WILLIAMSTOWN 6.4 8.8 14.13 19.15
RICHMOND 2.1 3.4 6.5 8.11
Goals: McBean 3, Elton, Vickery, King, McIntosh, McCartney
Best: Miles, Lennon, Batchelor, McDonough, Young, McBean
Injuries: Foley – calf tightness, Barlow – Hamstring soreness
Jake Batchelor looks down-field for options in Richmond's VFL match against Williamstown on Saturday. Photo: Matt Johnson
