PUNT ROAD END | Richmond Tigers Forum

Got to Skilled Stadium an hour early despite the traffic, so I saw the whole thing (a lot of people are saying they only saw half the match : :

Just look, we didn't lose this game because of turnovers or horrible passages of play like against the Saints (I lost a LOT of faith after that match), we lost because Geelong would win the ball and just be too good. I would say we played well, had good structure and several players showed promise.

I know what you're thinking, and no I do not write articles for the RFC website... :hihi




Now I must say I picked up on something yesterday that I believe deserves more attention.

Right before 3/4 time there was a scuffle that ended up with more than half of each team involved. This went on for a couple of minutes before the siren went. Think about it, they were rubbing in how much better they were and pushing our skinny kids around (slung I think Kel into the ground and he didn't get up for a while).

WHAT DID WE DO ABOUT IT?

We go out there in the last quarter when the intensity was at an all-time HIGH and we BEAT them 6 goals to 3.

Those handbags were outplayed by a young Tiger outfit when the intensity was raised and hard knocks were constant (usually cheap). Eg, Tambling gets smashed over and gets right back up, charges into the pack, wins the footy and we push forward and kick a goal.

You've gotta love the mentallity some of our players are building. We were not soft, we showed a fair bit of strength IMO.

But back to the game, it's how you lose, it's not about the final scores. We played well and lost.

Kel Moore kept Steve Johnson to 2 goals in a 23 goal team. He was sensational and IMO is showing signs of becoming a premiership quality player with few flaws.

Richard Tambling - I love this kid. Never gives in. Looks very skinny against the Geelong midfield but Terry gave him a lot more game time in the middle in the 2nd half and along with Foley is our only high quality midfielder atm. Won a clearance and burst out of the middle, dodging left right and centre, up to the F50, but didn't get the goal. Was a Judd-like play which he then tried to repeat a minute later out of a pack... jaw dropping at times, but not all the time.

Foley spent a lot of time on the bench but kicked an unbelievable goal winning the ball in the middle and sprinting into the F50 dodging Cats everywhere and kicking from 45... just elite.

Mitch Morton showed me that he isn't as soft as I thought. Layed a couple of very hard tackles, I had to look twice to make sure it was Mitch. So skillful and doesn't put a foot wrong. Took an absolute screamer in the opening minute, I wish there was a replay!! Hung there forever, reminded me of Burton.

Cleve Hughes - worked very well with Richo at FF and Cleve pushing up the ground. In the second half starting in the FP and wasn't as good, but in the first half he run his ass off down the wings and everywhere to be an option. Didn't do any rough stuff but at the same time never backed out of anything. Can't play side by side with Richo, one of them needs to be up the ground.

Jordy was a poor trade (losing Scott Selwood), BUT he is a good player. Compliments our team well and is good enough to play in a GF team. Don't hate Jordan McMahon because of our club's poor trading philosophies.

Cogs was very poor, i'll be honest. But that was to be expected I guess, will not play Round 1.

Deledio was terrible, just sat there all day and did nothing. Weak. Should have taken a stand - not captain material for all you saying strip Johnson and give it to Lids.

Johnson is average, didn't stuff up today but he's just so slow and isn't a good kick. Holding us down. Saw Tuck win a good clearance only to bomb it long and high "to Richo" only to see it rebounded for a goal... another plodder holding us back. Average players make average teams.

Whitey - I didn't see much in him before yesterday. He reminds me of someone though. Little guy who tackles harder than anyone, has average skills, blistering pace...... we need to train this guy in the mould of Nathan Foley. Has that same speed/acceleration and mongrel/tenacious combination. I'm not saying any grand statements by any means! Only that I can see a resemblence in some of his attributes.

Daniel Jackson was in the best players, but I didn't see him do much. Must have tagged someone out of the game. Showed nice skills and toughness which I love.

Richo was brilliant all day - clearly still the best player at our club. To all you "people" who say he should be delisted you ARE A *smile* JOKE!!!! I laugh my head off at you because this guy is the king. Seems to be looking out for his teammates a little more than last year, he doesn't want to be the focus anymore.

Browny looked alright, didn't try as hard as he usually does but why should he?

Pettifer has stepped up another class this year. He is one of the best HFF's in the comp and is a genuine shot at AA. Is going in harder than last year, some good tackles yesterday.

Raines was crap, turned it over a few times like normal (didn't have as many join him as usual though). Did a piece of play that impressed me, then a minute later he turns it over for a goal. Can't have this.

Thursfield - Such a quality player. Doesn't miss a beat.



I repeat - it's how you lose, it's not about the final scores.

We played well and lost.