Richmond struggled to utilise a strong breeze and fell to a fast-finishing Footscray by 62 points in a VFL practice match at Whitten Oval this afternoon.
In what was a scrappy game dictated by wind, the Tigers welcomed back star midfielder Daniel Jackson from a hamstring injury.
He consistently threw his body at the ball, winning contested possessions at stoppages.
Despite his impact and collecting 13 touches, Jackson was eased back slightly, playing three-quarters of the match.
Ben Lennon also made a successful and impressive return from injury, playing his scheduled half a match, and leading Richmond’s possessions with 16 at the main break.
Another Tiger cub, Nathan Gordon kicked two goals for the game, one a long goal from outside 50.
Richmond was aided by the breeze in the first term and used it well, moving the ball quickly and with purpose. A long kick-in from Ed Barlow to the open side of the ground ignited an end-to-end move that was capped off by a goal from Liam McBean.
Jake Batchelor was a standout for the Tigers in defence. He spoiled well, won the ball at ground level and knocked it to safety.
Matt Arnot (14 possessions) and Nathan Foley (12) worked hard and provided run and carry.
A wonderful centering pass from Nathan Batsanis set up Nathan Gordon’s second goal while McBean’s second came on the siren to end a tight first half.
Chris Knights gathered his 24 possessions all over the ground but was particularly effective when filling holes in defence and intercepting Footscray’s forward entries.
Orren Stephenson had 32 hit-outs and also featured in Richmond’s defence. He took two crucial intercept marks but the Tigers struggled to contain the Bulldogs’ run through the centre of the ground.
Anthony Miles lifted in the second half and his terrific contested work saw him finish the game with 20 disposals and a team-high six clearances.
His dribble goal from deep in the pocket was the highlight of a tough third term for the Tigers, who found it difficult to score despite having the advantage of the breeze.
Richmond was held goalless while Footscray piled on seven goals in a one-sided final term.
RICHMOND: 2.4 5.4 7.5 7.5 (47)
FOOTSCRAY: 2.1 5.10 8.11 16.13 (109)
GOALS: McBean 2, Gordon 2, Arnot, Miles, McCartney
BEST: Miles, Knights, Gordon, Stephenson, Arnot, Jackson
