Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points arising from the Tigers’ 121-point victory over Greater Western Sydney at Skoda Stadium last Sunday.
- Rising midfield stars Reece Conca and Brandon Ellis have enhanced their value to the team by becoming goalkickers.
The talented, young pair kicked three goals apiece against the Giants and now have 25 between them for the season (Conca 12 and Ellis 13). Their ability to hit the scoreboard has been one of the factors behind the team’s improvement this year. It’s just so valuable in the modern game to have midfielders, who can not only rack up disposals all over the field, but apply extra pressure to the opposition by scoring goals. I’m really impressed with how Conca and Ellis have added this important string to their collective bows in season 2013 . . .
- Alex Rance has worked his way into All-Australian form.
After a relatively slow start to the season, the Tiger full-back has been in excellent form throughout the second half of the year. He turned in what was probably his best performance for the season up against GWS glamour spearhead Jeremy Cameron. With Cameron right in Coleman Medal contention going into the game, all eyes at Skoda Stadium were on his duel with Rance. In the end, however, it was a completely one-sided contest, with Rance keeping Cameron goalless for the first time this season, and scoreless for the first time since Round 3 last year. Not only did Rance totally curb the effectiveness of his dangerous opponent, he again had plenty of the ball himself, picking up 21 disposals and regularly turning defence into attack for the Tigers.
- Troy Chaplin is a general in the Tigers’ defence.
There’s no doubt that Troy Chaplin’s introduction into the team’s backline this season has helped Alex Rance become a better player. I closely watched Chaplin on-field last Sunday, and was extremely impressed with the leadership he displayed down back. He was constantly instructing teammates and ensuring the right structures were in place. Finishing with a game-high 10 intercept possessions (and 23 disposals all-up), the experienced Chaplin further highlighted his value to the Tiger team. I really like how he knows exactly when to stay close to his opponent, in a negating capacity, and when to come off him in an attacking role.
- Aaron Edwards provides a bit of “X-factor” to the team.
Although the game at the highest level has changed a good deal in recent years, I am convinced there’s still place, for a player up forward, who can continually present himself at the football. That’s why Aaron Edwards is a handy addition to the Richmond line-up. His ability to hit up on the lead and provide a different target, really adds to the side’s structure. He was particularly dangerous during the first half on Sunday, and caused the GWS backs all sorts of problems with his mobility. To finish the match with five goals will undoubtedly boost his confidence, and he might just be a key player for the Tigers on the September stage.
- Matty White, Shane Edwards and Jake King were three important ins for the Tigers on Sunday.
In league football today, the role of a high half-forward is vital, with that emphasis on pressing up to half-back and then pushing back towards goal. So, it’s no wonder Matt White, Shane Edwards and Jake King were such welcome inclusions in the Richmond line-up for the clash with the Giants, after recovering from injury. These three players are really important to the team from a structural viewpoint because of the specialist half-forward roles they play. The Tigers instantly looked better with the trio running around last Sunday. They all made valuable contributions in the 20-goal win, through their hard running both ways and the defensive pressure they applied in the forward line.
- Dustin Martin set the tone early with a dominant midfield performance.
I thought Martin was outstanding in the first half. He’d had 21 disposals to half-time and was clearly best-on-ground, in my opinion, up until then. The 22-year-old sliced the Giants open with his powerful running and slick ball use, which provided the Tiger forwards with plenty of opportunities. Martin, along with big Ivan Maric, was the architect of Richmond’s brilliant 11-goal second quarter. It was a very good sign that he was able to bounce back so strongly from a disappointing 10-disposal game against Carlton the previous week.
