It’s hard to not go over what has already been said about our demolition of premiership fancies Hawthorn over the weekend, but like many I think that this win validates everything that we have been striving for over the past 2-3 seasons.
We’ve seen the on-field improvement this year, but hadn’t really got any reward for it until last weekend. It was definitely the boost the players needed to see that they finally got some reward for their effort.
Despite the impressive victory however, I’m a little worried by all the hype that the media and even our own supporters are putting on us. It’s fine to celebrate a big win and all, but we have to be careful about thinking we are further ahead in our development than what we actually are.
I’ve seen numerous postings and some media personalities say that we are a possible contender for a top four spot this year given the eveness of the competition, but those calls are very premature. Any supporter who has their heart set on anything more than a top eight finish is asking to be disappointed at year’s end.
While we have had a difficult start to the year, we are still only 4-5 after nine rounds so we need to think realistically here for a second. The players also have no time to rest on their laurels as they will have to play just as well to defeat the poorer sides of the competition when they get their chance. Only then will we be able to consider ourselves as true finals contenders.
This week’s game against St.Kilda provides the perfect opportunity to see whether or not the boys can back up their stunning performance on the weekend against another in-form side in the Saints. We haven’t beaten these guys since 2003 so a win is certainly overdue and winning as many of these 50/50 games as we can will hold us in great stead for any potential late season charge at the top eight.
Jack Riewoldt’s six goals on the weekend certainly showed signs that he was getting back to his Coleman Medal winning form and he has a pretty good history when it comes to playing against his cousin Nick’s side. Ivan Maric’s stellar form in the ruck also continues to be a massive positive for the club and with St.Kilda still without Ben McEvoy and Rhys Stanley it gives him an even bigger chance to really take hold off the game in the middle.
With the backline still missing Dylan Grimes, who would have been perfect for a forward line such as the Saints, they are going to have to rise to the occasion again for Richmond to get another win. Stephen Milne is often the danger man when the two clubs meet so likely match up Steven Morris will have his hands full in trying to contain the slippery forward pocket.
It’s going to be close to a sell-out crowd at Etihad Stadium on the big stage of Friday night football and there will be a lot of watchful eyes on the boys this week, so let’s hope they continue to rise to the challenge.
Go Tiges!
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