A six-goal haul from Aaron Edwards couldn’t get Richmond over the line as the Tigers fell to North Ballarat by 52 points in a practice match at the ME Bank Centre this afternoon.
Blustery conditions affected disposal efficiency as the Tigers struggled to reel in the Roosters, who blew the game apart with four goals on either side of half time.
Edwards, one of 15 AFL-listed players in the Tigers’ side, led hard and marked the ball better than anyone on the ground. The Roosters were unable to contain the forward who took five contested marks for the game.
Edwards chased hard when not in possession and assisted the Tigers first goal, scored by Todd Elton, who kicked two for the match.
In a game predominantly played through the centre of the ground, North Ballarat hurt the Tigers on the fast break. Richmond’s attempts to reduce the deficit were undermined by wayward disposal at times.
Chris Knights was another standout for the home side. He found plenty of the ball in the middle and used it well. He finished with a game-high 25 disposals.
Matt Arnot was also a prolific ball-winner for the Tigers and worked tirelessly all day. He had seven clearances and used his body well, including a crucial tackle in the forward half that created a Richmond goal.
The two midfielders were assisted by a dominant ruck display from Orren Stephenson, who amassed 30 hit-outs, most of which were to the advantage.
AFL-listed players, Kamdyn McIntosh, Brad Helbig, Matt Dea, Dylan Grimes and Jake Batchelor all fought hard but the Roosters found too much space in the Richmond defence.
Ben Darrou started to find the ball in an improved last quarter from the Tigers. He spoiled well and always looked to move the ball forward quickly.
Richmond lifted in the final term with clearance work, ball movement, disposal efficiency, pressure and tackling all improving.
Jake King gathered 17 possessions and combined superbly with Edwards to set up two of his three last quarter goals.
Snap goals from Nathan Batsanis and Luke Conca ensured that the game finished well for the Tigers, despite the result.
RICHMOND: 2.4 5.7 6.7 11.8 (74)
NORTH BALLARAT: 5.4 12.6 17.10 19.12 (126)
GOALS: A. Edwards 6, Elton 2, Young, Batsanis, Conca
BEST: Edwards, Knights, Arnot, King, Stephenson
