Richmond’s VFL team began its 2014 pre-season campaign with a hard-fought victory over the Sandringham Zebras at the ME Bank Centre yesterday.
In what was a scrappy battle for most of the evening, the Tigers found one last wind to overcome a three-quarter time deficit to win by eight points, 8.8.56 to 6.12.48.
Both sides had a strong showing of AFL listed players, with the Tigers getting a game into 16 senior and rookie-listed players.
The wind had a slight effect on the game, with the lead changing at every break.
Richmond rookie Matt Thomas set the tone early, winning plenty of the ball and displaying some great acts of courage underneath packs and running back with the flight of the ball. He was one of the Tigers’ best, until he was rested late in the match.
Todd Elton kicked off proceedings for the Tigers with a great mark and snap from the boundary. He ended up with three goals for the day in a good showing up forward.
The Tigers threatened to take the game away from the Dragons early in the second term, but inaccurate kicking cost them.
Richmond kicked six behinds (one rushed) in a matter of three minutes before Todd Banfield found a way to put it through the big sticks.
Kamdyn McIntosh then kicked a long running goal from 50 metres to give the Tigers a six-point lead at the main break. The scoring opportunities were created from great forward pressure.
Nathan Gordon stood out all evening with his clean ball use and run, playing on the wing.
Dylan Grimes made his way back after a short stint on the sidelines with hamstring tightness, and he looked assured in defence, but also provided some great run and clean disposal from the backline.
The Dragons were threatening in the third term with the wind, but Grimes, along with Ricky Petterd, made sure the deficit wasn’t too large heading into the final break.
Petterd won a couple of crucial intercept possessions in the defensive 50 that saved some potential headaches for the Tigers.
Tigers’ midfielder Matt Arnot was among the Club’s best players in the match, with his physicality and ball use a standout.
Richmond overran the Dragons in the final term, overcoming an eight-point deficit early in the quarter before Elton, Banfield and Brad Helbig sealed the win for the Tigers.
RICHMOND: 1.0, 3.6, 5.7, 8.8 (56)
SANDRINGHAM: 1.3, 2.6, 5.10, 6.12 (48)
GOALS: Elton 3, Banfield 2, Helbig, King, McIntosh
BEST: Gordon, Grimes, Petterd, Arnot, Stephenson, Thomas
