RICHMOND coach Terry Wallace says his side’s lack of experience in tight games cost them their first victory of the season in their Dreamtime at the ‘G clash with Essendon.

“Purely and simply, what cost us the game was our inability to stay calm when the game was on the line,” Wallace said.

“I think Essendon came into this game with about 2600 games of experience. I think they’ve got eight guys with over 170 games. We came in with about 1500 games of experience.

“When it comes down to the crunch it’s probably those extra experienced guys that Essendon have in and around the ball that won some of the crucial ball around stoppages late in the game.

“With three minutes to go we were two goals in front and with a bit more poise you probably work the clock down and you win the game of football but that’s where we are and we’ve just to get through that and learn.

“I don’t think it comes down to forgetting how to win when you’re two goals in front with three minutes to go. All you’ve got to do is hang on to the footy. I think three times we kicked it back to a 50/50 contest so that’s just not sticking to what we know we need to do.”

Wallace refused to comment on the Matthew Richardson goal which was disallowed after the star forward was penalised for a push in the back. The teams were level and Richardson’s “goal” may have sealed the Tigers’ first victory. Instead the Bombers went up the field to score two behinds before a Matthew Lloyd goal after the siren secured a eight-point victory for Kevin Sheedy’s side.

“It’s like the guys who are playing the game. You play some really good footy and you play some poor footy at times. The umpires are no different at times. Every game of football the umpires will make some really good decisive decisions and they’ll make some poor decisions. Unfortunately as a coach we’re not allowed to talk about either,” Wallace said.

He heaped praise on Matthew Richardson, who played despite being expected to miss at least two or three games after he fractured his eye socket during last Friday night’s defeat to Adelaide.

“Not taking anything away from the opposition but … if Richo had kicked the goal he might have the boomerang (best on ground award) in his hand. To play in the manner that he did … was teaching some of our younger players about wanting to get there no matter what the circumstances.

“That guy just wants to play footy for the Richmond footy club, which is magnificent, but then to follow it up with a performance against top liners … to be able to perform the way he did was outstanding.”

Andrew Krakouer, who played his 100th game and scored two goals to bring his career tally to 101, also paid tribute to his teammate.

“When we saw Matty’s face during the week we would have thought he was no chance to play, but for him to put his hand up and want to run out with the boys for the footy club is just amazing and he got the boys pumped up,” Krakouer said.

He believed poor decision making cost Richmond victory.

Tigers’ debutant Jack Riewoldt says that while he enjoyed his first outing, he was disappointed with the outcome.

“It’s a massive stage, Richmond v Essendon, Dreamtime at the ‘G … it would have been nice to get a victory. It’s always special to play your first game, but the win is really what we’re after,” he said.

Wallace singled out Brett Deledio for special mention.

“I think he was easily the best run and carry player on the ground. Every time he got the ball in his hand it was a 90-metre play and I thought that was one of the major reasons that set us up to be a major chance to win the game. I thought he was outstanding.”