Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points arising from the Tigers’ 34-point victory over Melbourne at the MCG last Sunday.
1. The biggest positive to come out of the game was the performances of the two teenage Tigers.
Brandon Ellis and Nick Vlastuin were the two best players in Richmond’s win, and that is a great sign for the future. While Tiger big guns Trent Cotchin and Brett Deledio were solid, it was this pair of talented youngsters, who were the driving forces behind the victory. Ellis was extremely impressive with his hard, gut-running, which enabled him to rack up 39 disposals, and he again showed just how good he is overhead, with some really strong marking. As for Vlastuin, well, I know I sound like a broken record, but this kid just does everything so well on the field. His disposal efficiency on Sunday was 92%, and he’s totally unflustered with the way he goes about his football. It’s really exciting to think how good Vlastuin and Ellis are going to be for the Tigers over a long period of time.
2. Daniel Jackson continues to be a valuable contributor for the Tiger team.
I reckon Jackson would be top three in the Jack Dyer Medal right now, such has been his form this season. He again was one of the side’s best last Sunday, picking up 23 possessions and taking eight marks. But it’s also the little things Jackson does around the contests, which makes him such an important member of the line-up. This may go unnoticed by the critics, but it’s something his coaches and teammates are very aware of. A classic example was Richmond’s first goal last Sunday, kicked by Brett Deledio. If you get a chance to have a look at the replay, keep a close eye on the block to a Demon opponent applied by Jackson, which frees up Deledio – it’s a beauty.
3. Ty Vickery is much more than a mark and kick tall player.
What was particularly impressive about Vickery’s game against Melbourne was his athleticism. Several times, he won important possession in the middle of the ground, and broke away from opponents with impressive mobility. Vickery finished the match with 18 possessions and nine marks, which are good stats for a forward/ruckman, and he could well have booted three or four goals, if he’d been a bit more accurate with his set shots. It was a good return for him, after he’d missed the previous week with concussion and, to me, it further showed why he’s going to play a big part in Richmond’s future.
4. Steve Morris played a vital role on a dangerous opponent in Aaron Davey during the second half.
Davey was close to best afield in the first half with his speedy running and damaging left foot. After half-time, however, I thought Morris did a top job in not only curbing him, but becoming an attacking option for the Tigers as well. The highlight of Morris’ hard running, was a 100-metre dash from defence, which resulted in him being used as a marking target inside-50. He subsequently steered through a vital goal from his set shot. With his relentless running, and desperation to do the right thing for the team, it’s no wonder Steve Morris has become such a favorite of the Tiger Army.
5. Bachar Houli is an important member of the side.
Houli possesses elite running ability and he is very good at creating space. His spearing left foot is a real weapon for the Tigers, and, he is a consistent possession-winner, too. He picked up 24 possessions against the Demons and consistently turned defence into attack. In today’s game, the ability to spread from contests is crucial, and it’s certainly an area where Houli excels.
6. Dustin Martin underlined his versatility.
It wasn’t a big game disposal-wise for Martin on Sunday, but he was still able to have an impact, due to his adaptability. He was moved deep forward in the second half and ended up kicking three telling goals, to be the Tigers’ equal-leading goalkicker for the match. His ability to go forward, take strong marks, and kick goals, is what makes him such a dangerous proposition for the opposition to handle.
