Despite a strong performance from dynamic midfielder Nathan Foley, Richmond’s VFL team lost its pre-season hit-out against Collingwood at Victoria Park on Friday.
In another scrappy affair, the Tigers trailed from start of the match, eventually going down to the Magpies by 22 points.
Richmond fielded 12 players from its senior list including Aaron Edwards, Dylan Grimes, Jake King and Nathan Foley, and was met by a similarly structured Collingwood side.
Foley was a prolific ball-winner early for the Tigers, constantly beating opponents to the ball. He worked tirelessly in packs, chased well and kicked a goal.
He finished with seven clearances and 26 possessions, 16 of which were contested.
Experienced forward Aaron Edwards snared three strong contested marks and kicked a goal in a tight first quarter.
Brett O’Hanlon was also busy and kicked two goals – the first of which came from a long set shot after the quarter-time siren.
Richmond struggled to keep the ball forward and create scoring chances in a second term that was played predominately in Collingwood’s half.
The Tigers could only manage half as many scoring shots (12) as their opponents (24).
In the third term, the Tigers were unable to reduce the 12-point half-time deficit, but a fast break engineered by Matt Arnot set up first year player, Sam Lloyd, who slotted a superb goal from the boundary.
Lloyd was among Richmond’s best, causing problems for Collingwood with his pressure and attack on the ball up forward.
Dylan Grimes was a composed figure in the heart of the Richmond defense and set a high standard with consistent efficient disposal. He laid a team-high six tackles and was dutifully assisted by Ben Darrou, who held his own in marking contests and also provided valuable run and carry.
Both Brad Helbig (13 possessions) and Jake King (11) provided options and won the ball across half-back and half-forward respectively.
Hard-working midfielder, Anthony Miles capped off his impressive pre-season campaign with a late goal, but the Magpies replied with two goals of their own to put the result beyond doubt.
RICHMOND: 3.1 5.1 7.3 8.4 (52)
COLLINGWOOD: 3.4 6.7 8.9 11.13 (79)
GOALS: O’Hanlon 2, Lloyd 2, A. Edwards, Miles, Foley, Bathie
BEST: Foley, Lloyd, Miles, Darrou, Grimes, O’Hanlon
