Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points from the Tigers’ Round 16 win over Brisbane at the MCG last Saturday.
1. There’s no doubting Ty Vickery’s ability
Vickery has had his fair share of doubters along the journey, but he answered his critics in the best way possible against the Lions. He has been omitted twice this season, and he has clearly taken on board some of the feedback the coaches have given him throughout the season. It would have done his confidence the world of good to kick the first two goals of the game, but he didn’t stop there. To finish with four majors, 16 disposals and a goal assist proved that his work rate was up, and importantly, he took his chances when they arose.
2. Ivan Maric is one of Richmond’s most important players
I’ve previously highlighted the impact that big Ivan has on the Tigers, but it was noticeable yet again on the weekend. Maric played his best game of the season since his return from injury, in what was an intriguing battle with Stefan Martin. He was fierce in the contest (his 34 hitouts and six clearances were proof of that) and he looked to be running as freely as he has all season, as he picked 21 disposals.
3. Shane Edwards is an underrated member of the team
Edwards has been a solid contributor all season, but he doesn’t get the plaudits of some of his fellow Tiger midfielders. Edwards produced his most influential game of the season against Brisbane. He looked sharp and evasive in the midfield, and dangerous as a forward. Two goals, 27 touches, six inside 50s and nine clearance is an excellent performance, and a strong indication of his worth to the side.
4. Jack Riewoldt is the most unselfish full-forward in the game
The Tigers have made no secret in recent years of their intention to spread the goalkicking load, and obviously Jack has bought into that. He leads the Club’s goalkicking tally with 41 after 16 rounds, 22 ahead of the next best, Ty Vickery. But impressively, he also leads the team for goal assists (11, tied with Dustin Martin). He has been accused of being overly selfless at times, but I think he’s found the right balance this season. If he’s in a good position, he’ll go back and slot the goal, but if a team-mate is a better chance, he’ll back them in. Twice on the weekend, he brought others into the game with clever short passes in the first quarter, while he also nailed his own opportunities in front of goal.
5. Dan Jackson slotted back in seamlessly
It’s been a frustrating month for ‘Jacko’, as he dealt with a hip flexor injury, then made his return to the senior team via the VFL. He wasted no time getting back into the thick of the action, winning 24 possessions and doing all the tough stuff we’ve come to know from last year’s Jack Dyer medallist. He was particularly important to the win against the Lions, given fellow tough-nut midfielder Matt Thomas was a late withdrawal through injury. Jackson remains an important member of the Richmond midfield group, and he’ll be looking for a strong finish to the season.
6. The Tigers would love to claim a big scalp
Richmond would be pleased to have won back-to-back games, but the reality is, they’ve come against the two bottom teams on the ladder. Damien Hardwick made it clear after the Brisbane game that the level of performance must improve quickly if they are to knock off Port Adelaide this weekend. If the Tigers can rediscover the form they produced against Fremantle and Sydney a few weeks ago, they’ll be in with a real chance of defeating a team above them on the ladder – something that has eluded them so far this season.
