1 out of 4 quarters won; enough for the Cats, but not the Tigers

By Domenic Favata

Premiers Geelong have not been at there usual peak during the pre-season. The talk of the ‘premiers’ tag was beginning to sway to the more favourable dogs and saints. Geelong came up against a young Fremantle outfit, knowing that they still have what it takes to win another premiership and that this pre-season talk is rubbish. They won only 1 out of 4 quarters to overcome Fremantle, wining 14.12 .96 to 10.5 .65.

Unfortunately the same cannot be said for Richmond. My team, the Tigers, could not match it with the much more skilful and experienced Essendon. Going into the game, both sides at close to full strength, were tipped for a good battle.

Essendon burst out of the blocks with young gun David Zaharakis slotting the first goal from a set shot 15m out. Richmond then replied through Mitch Morton, who had been having a terrific pre season. Both sides were sloppy for the next few minutes, but goals to Williams and Neagle, saw Essendon open up a 12 point lead. ‘Rockin’ Relton Roberts then slotted a nice running goal from 50m, but this was cancelled out with goals to Gumbelton and Monfies. Bombers were taking control of the midfield, and therefore, the game. The bombers opening up a three goal lead at quarter time.

The tigers started the second quarter well, with dreadlock boy, Benny Nason kicking a nice goal after a free. Some have likened this boy to Johnny Platten, for obvious reasons. Goals to Stanton and Winderlich added to the lead, but rockin Relton hit back with another running goal. It seemed that Roberts was keeping Richmond in the game. Consecutive goals from the likes of Hocking, Monfries, Reimers and Watson blew the lead out to beyond 6 goals. Nahas stopped the stampeded by nailing his first from a running piece. Richmond were barely hanging on, with Essendon controlling the midfield and punishing Richmond for their recurring turnovers. But, this is what you’d expect from a young side, as Damien Hardwick states. Essendon by 42 at halftime.

There were good signs from Richmond though, Dustin Martin was continuing his stellar pre-season and rookies David Gourdis and Relton Roberts were both pushing their case for rookie elevation. Richmond mounted a Fightback in the third term, bringing the margin back to 4 goals, with goals to Hislop, Riewolt and Vickery. But these were cancelled out immediately after they had kicked them, with Essendon bouncing back on the counter attack. However, the tigers were playing a much better, tougher, brand of footy, with Jackson and Thompson leading the way in the midfield. A very good quarter to the Tigers, with Essendon once again cancelling out the comeback. Richmond had outscored the dons and therefore had won the quarter. Essendon by 38 at three-quarter time.

The game swayed in the last term, but Essendon got on top with goals to Ryder and Williams in the first few minutes. Richmond, making costly turnovers, were putting their hard work in the third, to waste. A goal fest was on the cards, as Essendon blew the margin beyond 10 goals. The tank was gone in Richmond. Hardwick’s young brigade did not have the stamina needed to play and run out a game. Essendon win by 75 points.

It’s back to the drawing board for Hardwick. With Richmond’s round 1 game against Carlton in less than a fortnight, they have to get into gear. I’m sure Hardwick will fire up his troops for a good round 1 outing. I’m predicting a rough year for the young Tigers. We will experience some good wins, some narrow losses and some terrible losses. But, from a young brigade, you do not know what to expect. We’ll just have to wait and see.

Positives:

-Standout performances from: Martin, Nason, Roberts, Gourdis

-Young players showing they have what it takes

-Good recruiting

-Glimpses of a good game plan and talented team

Final Scores

Q1        Q2       Q3       Q3       Score

Ess                              5.3        12.4     17.7     23.9     147

Rich                            2.3        5.4       11.5     11.7     73

GOALS

ESSENDON:

Monfries 3, Zaharakis 3, Reimers 2, M.Williams 2, Ryder 2, Gumbleton 2, Winderlich 2, Neagle, Stanton, Hocking, Watson, Dempsey, Welsh, Hille

RICHMOND:

Roberts 2, Riewoldt 2, Hislop 2, Morton 2, Nason, Nahas, Vickory

Comments

  1. Good work Dom. You did what I couldn’t be stuffed doing by writing a report of this match. In my defense though I’m in year 12 and I have a load of homework this weekend.

    I can see Relton (Scooby) becoming a cult hero at Tigerland eventually, needs to work on his fitness though.

  2. Good piece Dom, better luck next week. At least you know you won’t lose next weekend ;)

  3. So were Essendon impressive or are Richmond crap. Cut to the chase!

  4. tell me dom,
    does Dustin look hotter in the flesh?
    lol
    Good work!

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