Richmond VFL coach Tim Clarke provides an exclusive summary of how the AFL-listed players performed at VFL level in Saturday’s win over Geelong.
Nathan Gordon
1 goal, 27 disposals (13 contested), 4 inside 50s
Played on a wing and through half forward. The most pleasing part of his game was his contested work, which is an area we’ve been working on. Kicked an important goal to put us in front. Good run and carry all day.
Aaron Edwards
2 goals, 23 disposals, 8 marks
Probably the most dominant forward on the day. Gave us a good target up the line again when we needed an option. His ball use going inside 50 was really good as well - he set up a couple of other goals.
Matt McDonough
22 disposals (13 contested), 7 clearances, 11 tackles
Came into the midfield and won the contested ball. He competed hard all day inside, which is what we expect him to do. We really needed someone to step up in the middle and he did that. Excellent ball use by foot.
Chris Knights
20 disposals, 6 clearances
First game back, he was terrific. Found a lot of the ball in three quarters. Was really solid on the day and helped set our guys up around stoppages, which is what we expect. We hope he gets some continuity with his body.
Matt Dea
19 disposals, 6 marks, 5 tackles
Very strong around half back. Gave us plenty of chop out marks and also helped with run and carry to set up play from defence. Always very reliable. Hopefully he’ll be pushing for senior selection in the coming weeks.
Brad Helbig
17 disposals, 5 tackles
Had a big knock early and battled his way through really well. The determination he showed to finish off the game, given the knock, was outstanding. Played across half back for most of the game and kept competing all day and shutting down Geelong’s attacks.
Orren Stephenson
17 disposals, 29 hit outs, 4 clearances
The most dominant big guy on the ground. Took a couple of really good contested marks. His follow up work from his rucking was the biggest positive of his game.
Brett O’Hanlon
16 disposals, 3 inside 50s
Played a quieter game than what he’s been playing over the last month. We expect a better game from him but he was still able to contribute with a couple of important touches which resulted in goals.
Ben Darrou
15 disposals, 7 marks, 5 rebound 50s
Terrific down back – he only had one goal kicked on him. Helped set us up coming out of our defensive 50. His work with the other key backs really set us up across half back.
Todd Banfield
2 goals, 7 tackles, 4 inside 50s
Continues his good form in terms of his defensive pressure and had a lot of tackles again. His ball use inside 50 was outstanding, and helped set up three or four goals, and kicked two himself. It shows that his work on the track is starting to pay off.
Cadeyn Williams
1 goal, 10 disposals
Played across half forward and on the wing. Kicked an important goal but we expect a few more possessions. We hope to get him into the midfield next week.
Matt Arnot
9 disposals
Had a quiet day and struggled to get going. Put on his usual defensive pressure and was solid around contests, but we expect him to play a better game given his ability.
Shaun Hampson
9 disposals, 31 hit outs
Very good in the ruck to give our on-ballers first use. Took two or three really good grabs as a forward, which is what we’ve been working on. Got the ball going forward but we expect more of an impact.
Liam McBean
4 goals, 9 disposals, 6 marks
Very good game in terms of hitting the scoreboard. The most pleasing thing for Liam was his three contested marks, which go a long way towards him pushing for senior selection.
Ben Griffiths
1 goal, 6 disposals, 3 marks
Struggled to get into the game. Showed glimpses of what he can offer, taking strong marks on the lead and, and he had a few shots on goal, but finished with 1.1. We expect more, but we also need to get the ball in to him quicker to help him.
Todd Elton
4 disposals
Didn’t have much of a game offensively. Played on one of Geelong’s key forwards for most of the game, and he didn’t really have an influence on the game. He was relentless with his pressure.
Ben Lennon
Started the game okay, a bit quieter than his usual standards, but got a heavy knock in the second quarter and didn’t come back on after that. We hope he can get himself right and can come back ready for the game against Port Melbourne.