Some observations from yesterdays game:
Port obviously exposed Richmond's defence very well yesterday. Our focus was Tredrea & the new kid (rising star), but Motlop and Ebert were sensational. On most occassions, they were always one out with plenty of space in the forward line. Like I've mentioned previously (see St Kilda match thread), teams are aware the Tigers like to get plenty of run from players like Raines & King. By making them more accountable towards there opponents, they play like taggers more than run and carry type defenders. As a result, many of Ports goals/ behinds drifted over the top of smaller forwards/ defenders and rolled through. Thurstfield & McGuane got better as the game went on. And along with Polak, the three talls did OK.
Richmond got smashed in the midfield. It's an understatement. Without looking at the stats sheet, Ports pace and clean disposal around the ground was clearly evident.
Our forward line was dysfunctional in the first half. On too many occassions, we played from behind. In one example, Shultz flew for a mark (2nd in line) and Brown waited at the back of the pack for an easy touch. The result? An easy Port clearance. At other times, we worked the ball well to about the 50m arc. Our players hesitated and messed with the ball, waiting for a decent lead or some space to kick to a leading forward. Jack flew and spoiled Richo in a marking contest. Richo cursed Jack, Jack ran away and chased Port running the ball out of defence. On most occassions when the ball hit the ground after a marking contest, Port cleared easily on most occassions. The Tigers just didn't have the strength or enough pressure to keep it inside F50.
Richmond's field kicking and general skills around the ground were average. There are clear indications the Tigers have a game plan and this is followed on most occassions. But our execution is not up to standard. When we have the ball on centre-wing and we cut across to the middle, it's just not acceptable to put the ball in that vacinity - It must hit the target, because when it lands to the feet or rolls onto a player, the opposition pounce very quickly.
But despite being out played for most of the match, the Tigers did find some positives. Richmnd can work on from another game under JR (4 goals) & Edwards (the ability to get to a contest and create something from nothing). Thustfield, Polak & McGuane will benefit from another run. Shultz had limited oppourtinities - He can kick goals, but needs to get fit over the summer. The Tigers were without Deledio, Tambling & Polo - They are all part of the future. Foley was closely checked all day - The real challenge now begins for Axel.
Most teams often use phrases such as, "they are a good team...we expected a tough match from them...they are not to be taken lightly". In Richmond's case, these words - as difficult as it is to imagine - still apply.
In today's paper, Wallace calls for "big changes", but this is a phrase often used by clubs and supporters when a team is performing poorly. Perhaps if we concentrated reducing our turnovers & skills errors by 25% first, then the next lot of changes would will be much easier to manage.
