When the weekend’s bullets left their mark on Richmond and Fremantle’s wounded seasons, the greatest indignity was the identity of the triggermen.
Both of these teams had expectations perhaps not to go all the way, but at least to be formidable roadblocks for the teams that ultimately would go one or two steps just past them. What these teams were ‘meant’ to do was lose title fights by decision after bloodying the likes of a Hawthorn or West Coast. They weren’t supposed to have their seasons ended by freaking Carlton and Melbourne.
Richmond’s season isn’t over, although it is on life support, with Sunday’s defeat a significant flesh wound leaving them at 1-4. The Dockers on the other hand, are done. Their premiership chances were written off in this space a fortnight ago, and now their finals hopes are gone too.
Standing (or, rather, passed out on the pavement) at 0-5 with away games against Adelaide and Hawthorn in the next three weeks, Fremantle are more likely to finish in the bottom four than the top eight. Aaron Sandilands and Nat Fyfe are out, and then there’s the other problem that the Dockers aren’t any good at football right now.
The Carlton game was a farce – a suburban reserves football clash contested by hungover tradesmen masquerading as an AFL game. Fremantle are down on personnel, but where once they seemed the most disciplined, mentally switched on team in the competition, their defensive lapses are killing them more than their lack of attacking creativity.
Dale Thomas’s third goal snuck through because no Docker thought to guard the goal-line. Bryce Gibbs, the only Carlton player whose foot skills should be a consideration, was left unmanned inside 50 for a decisive goal in the dying minutes. Defeat was sealed the only way it could be: with a mind-numbing turnover.
Fremantle’s collapse can be put at the feet of a confluence of factors: injuries, luck regressing to the mean, and, perhaps, just a general fatigue. Last season’s preliminary final against Hawthorn felt like a team emptying all its chambers and then throwing the revolver at its foe’s face as a final desperate ploy. The Dockers were heroic that night, and commendable all season. But they might have fired not only their last best shot, but also their last shot full stop.
Richmond’s fall is less explicable. Heading into last year’s finals they might have been the third best team in the league. Today, only percentage separates the Tigers from 17th.
The 2015 yellow and black were the AFL’s answer to Atletico Madrid. They were defensively brilliant, expertly structured and disciplined, and while they were modest on offence, they were efficient going forward, and clinical when they needed to be.
Richmond also had the habit of rising to the quality of their opposition. Like Atletico make Barcelona seem less frightening than anyone else can, the Tigers made Hawthorn look almost reassuringly mortal. Unfortunately though, Damien Hardwick is not Diego Simeone.
The Tigers are no longer shape shifting to meet the quality of their opponent. They now have a permanent shape, which is ‘badness’.
It’s unclear what Richmond do well, aside from swimming in mediocrity. Their defence has been under siege, with the Tigers ranking third last in inside 50 differential, unable to win field position. The two teams below them in that stat? Essendon and Brisbane.
An odd lethargy seems to have infected the entire team. This iteration of the Tigers has no verve. They don’t play with pace, or passion, or force. They drift through games, not good enough to be effective, not quite terrible enough to draw too much attention to themselves. If Richmond were an actress, they’d be Kristen Stewart.
The Tigers miss Brett Deledio desperately, and without him they seem sapped of creativity. On offence, the Tigers are epitomised by their conservative skipper, and on defence, they resemble Dustin Martin on Chapel St after a music festival.
Richmond have rebounded from slow starts the past two seasons, but with a deeper crop of ‘decent’ teams this season (how many ‘gimme’ games are there in the AFL right now?) competing for the finals, their Lazarus performance might not have a final act.
Richmond play two of their next three games against Hawthorn and Sydney, and right now it seems impossible remembering that the Tigers beat both of those teams last year. A 2-6 start for the Tigers (at best) seems almost inevitable, and while that won’t quite be a death knell for the season, an overweight lady will begin to clear her throat.
This week the Tigers play Port Adelaide, the season’s biggest disappointment to date. It’s not as though Richmond and Fremantle give the impression that they’re not trying – it just seems like they’re not all that good. Port Adelaide don’t have that excuse.
The Power play with the intensity of a broken fork. Their pressure is deplorable and their defensive set-up aspires to be deplorable. There are more ‘easy’ goals kicked against them than any other team.
With the talent on their list, simply finishing in the eight should have been disappointing for Port. It should have been top four, or at least top six, or bust. Accordingly, they’ve spent the season hitting on ‘19′.
As Ryan Buckland wrote, Port could very well finish in the bottom four. For a team with Robbie Gray, Ollie Wines, Chad Wingard, Travis Boak, Charlie Dixon, Hamish Hartlett and Justin Westhoff, and respectable supplementary talent, that isn’t just disappointing – it’s inconceivable.
Across 2013 and 2014, Port Adelaide were the most entertaining team to watch in the league. Hawthorn were the best team to watch, but Port were new and fresh, and lacked Hawthorn’s clinical polish, in a way that made them more endearing. The cauldron of the Adelaide Oval seemed like the best atmosphere in football. All that goodwill has since turned to ash.
Port aren’t finished. They’re the most uninspiring 2-3 of all-time, but they’re still just 2-3, one win from sixth. There’s a soft fixture to come too, although it’s hard to know if a ‘soft fixture’ exists for a team as soft themselves as the Power.
Port have won 20 of their past 41 games. Despite how intoxicating their best looks, the reality is that they’ve been a mediocre side for a long time now. They’re a one-way running team, and when they’re met by teams that can put up the semblance of a brick wall, Port don’t have the work rate to find an alternate route to victory.
It’s easy to look at the names on Port’s list and talk yourself into them turning it around. You can’t teach what Wingard and Gray can do, but you can teach effort, right? Maybe not. Work rate isn’t just a mindset – it’s a skill, every bit as valuable as Hamish Hartlett’s bullet passing, and it’s one that this team doesn’t possess.
Richmond, Fremantle and Port Adelaide have all been cruelled by circumstance. How different would these teams have looked in the first five weeks with Brett Deledio, Ivan Maric, Aaron Sandilands, David Mundy, Harley Bennell, Paddy Ryder, Jay Schulz and Angus Monfries running around?
All three fanbases deserve better than this. For decades, the only currency that Richmond and Fremantle fans have dealt in has been misery. Port Adelaide were as low as a football club could be after the 2011 and 2012 seasons. Their rebound to become every neutral’s second team was football’s best story in 2013 and 2014.
The three teams can curse happenstance to varying degrees, but the reality is that when they started the year they all would have had not altogether fanciful dreams of playing deep into September. Now, they live with the nightmare that their seasons might be over before the end of May, or in Fremantle’s case, in the last week of April.
Mark
Guest
Rely on Cotchin in a crisis? That comment makes me think you've never watched a game of footy in your life.
Milo
Roar Rookie
Yep Wingard and Gray are a big loss. Lids is not so much a gain for first game back. however the above comments on the top five Richmond players are still relevant.
Pumping Dougie
Roar Guru
Port are missing Wingard, Robbie Gray, Trengrove and Alipate Carlisle (their two key defenders), Ryder and Monfries, and Lobbe has been dropped. Richmond are only missing Rance, Grimes and Conca from their best lineup.
Simoc
Guest
Which brings us to the point! Why are Fremantle so woeful that they can't beat a second rate Carlton side at home or a very average and poorly coached Gold Coast Suns side at home. It would seem they are hopeless.
anon
Guest
What are you talking about? Fremantle with a full strength team lost to Gold Coast at Subiaco. They were already down by 5 goals at half time and looked finished.
Momentbymoment
Guest
Home Ground Advantage seems to influence most people's tips, which of course means that the Hawks get a massive leg up in the granny. Oooops I forgot. HGA affects every game except the most important one of the year. Move along. Nothing to see here!!
Momentbymoment
Guest
Dean - if you’re recruiting people that Carlton can’t see a future in, then you’re going to struggle. In all honesty, ex Carlton players are carving it up around the country, especially in the race for the Coleman. Drafting Yarran may end up being a master stroke for the Tigers if they can get him onto the park. And Martin is a gun. Struggling right now due to off-field issues but was dominant last year.
Dean
Guest
Just like West Coast losing to the Hawks in the past 2 meetings by 46 points has nothing to do with the venue.
hal
Guest
Matty B: Thanks for the feed back. I admire the honest blue collar teams. While I don't barrack for North, I would be more than happy if they won the flag. They are an honest working-class side without the big name supporters, who have won premierships off the smell of an oily rag. My opinion of The Bulldogs went up when they got rid of that ridiculous stylized bulldog head (that resembled Rocket Eade) from their jersey. It is good to see them wearing their original jersey. Now I want to see them change their name back to Footscray. They have always been Footscray. I think the Dogs are exciting and I am happy to see them knock over sides that have always looked down on them. I absolutely hate Hawthorn, being a Geelong supporter, but unfortunately they are damn good. Like many Cats fans I think they are a bunch of thugs. I almost despise the Melbourne tankers as much. Put simply I don't feel they got the adequate punishment for tanking. They aren't some struggling working-class club. Melbourne have some of the wealthiest supporters in town, and they have always been the club of the establishment. The AFL gifted them Paul Roos. Richmond are next on my list. K.B need I say more. I don't like the salary cap cheats Adelaide but they are exciting and more honest than Port. I have no respect for Port while I think West Coast are a better class of down hill skiers. Freo are thugs and it is good to see them languishing at the foot of the ladder.
David C
Guest
I'd say with Richmond it's a confidence thing. When they have got on a run the past 2 years they have been the best in the league. When Deledio is out they may as well not turn up.
anon
Guest
Injuries are not the reason Fremantle lost to Carlton. Fyfe didn't leave the game until after half-time, Johnson was injured in the second half, yet Freo were trailing Carlton at half time. Round 1 Fremantle had last year's midfield all playing with Sandilands out because of suspension. Yet the Bulldogs rendered them uncompetitive. Round 2 Fremantle had last year's midfield fit and firing. Sandilands was back. They were at their home fortress against Gold Coast who has never travelled well. Yet Fremantle found themselves down 5 goals at half time. As you can see, Fremantle's catastrophic season has nothing to do with injuries.
hal
Guest
Matty B: I admire the working class blue collar teams. I like the way the dogs, or Footscray, as I prefer to call them, go about it. I am happy to see them do well. I have an admiration for North Melbourne, and would be more than happy to see them win the flag. I absolutely despise Hawthorn but unfortunately they are damn good. I think they are a bunch of thugs. Hawthorn is Geelong's bitter rival. I have no time for Melbourne (the team of the ruling elite) and I think they are total cheats who got away with years of tanking. I cannot feel sorry for a team that has Neil Mitchell, Andrew Bolt, Derryn Hinch, Ron Walker, and Peter Ryan amongst its supporters. Richmond are another team I dislike. K.B and co, need I say more. West Coast, Port, Adelaide, and Freo are the other teams I dislike. I resent all the freebies Sydney get, yet I have to admit they play good football and are an honest side.
Milo
Roar Rookie
Is any of the top five out from Port??? Of Richond's: one's carrying an injury, one is playing his first game back for 2016, one is not focused on the game due to family issues and one cant shake the tag that will come his way Saturday. Oh yeah and the other is suspended. And yeah 2014 they did alright in the EF too I seem to recall. I think youre right Port doesn't look great against the teams above them at the minute but that could change if they start playing with a bit more confidence. Richmond of course is not above them on the ladder! Nah, unfortunately Richmond is sh1te. And while of course they can win, that would be the worst thing for them.
sammy
Guest
But I am comparing Richmond against Port and I think take the top 5 players at port and the talent drops massively away after that. Maybe this weekend will see where each list is at. Port only had 1/2 a good season in 2014 due to superior fitness and now that everyone else has caught up, they have been left far behind. Compare Port's list with the teams above them on the ladder and it does not look great - overrated club
Milo
Roar Rookie
Um that great full back isn't playing and the great full forward usually plays up the half fwd/wing to try and get the ball. Cotchin still struggles with a hard tag and Martin's gone missing since his old man was deported. You're kidding about Richmond talent. After the top 5 there's not much left. Maric is going on 31 and gets beaten pretty regularly much as I love his competitive nature. His value is more in the leadership side. So maybe it will probably come down to who wants to lose it more.
sammy
Guest
Really - opposition is worse?. At least Richmond have a great full forward and a great full back. Cotchin and Martin are just as effective as Boak and Gray and Maric is better than Lobbe. You overestimate Ports list - I have said for a while that Port's defence is one of the worst going - they leak like a siv. Their forwards are inconsistent and they have no real ruckman. Richmond are every chance to win this weekend - and I am no richmond fan, but think they have more talent than Port
Dean
Guest
Port have an easy enough draw to make the 8 still. GWS humiliated them, but don't forget, GWS also beat Geelong up there and if they beat Hawthorn up there this week, Port's loss won't seem so bad. Their plight looks more like a confidence thing while the Tigers and Freo need structural change. Richmond have had too many passengers for too long. If you're recruiting people that Carlton can't see a future in, then you're going to struggle. Cotchin has been heroic in his last outing in particular, but the others also. Maric will be better for the run, but Deledio will need a week to get back into it. Port will beat them this week. But when Rance returns and Maric and Deledio are fit, they'll go back to carrying the rest of the duds. Martin's a head-case, he'll never be the kind of person you rely upon in a crisis like this, unlike Cotchin. Ross Lyon's game-plan is outdated because of the changes to the rules about deliberate, holding the ball (and blatantly dropping the ball no longer being enforced #freekickhawthorn). He's got a bunch of troops who can play that gameplan, but no other. Pavlich and Sandilands were more both more important than people realise and on a fast downward spiral. (though they're champions of the game still).
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Port's intensity was OK last weekend, I didn't think laziness was an issue. Look at the second quarter to find the problem, the game was on the line and hot, port were rebounding from the back half on two occasions and the ball gets put into the hands of Cam Oshea, possibly the worst footballer to get to 50 AFL games I've ever seen, two unforced errors result in turnovers and two cats goals. Cue the self doubt, Port stop getting the ball at the centre clearances and stoppages and the cats run all over them. There are massive player problems, but these problems are caused by a panicked mindset and a lack of confidence as well as defensive laziness, but to a lesser extent than some of the Geelong based Port bashers above would have you believe. Jake Neade turns the ball over to much, Cam Oshea hopefully has played his last game for Port, that guy has lost us so many games of football. Ebert is and always has been a poor decision maker , 11 touches on the weekend........11 Its confidence, and a few players that aren't AFL standard consistantly. To say, oh they are just lazy is ridiculous, I saw plenty of effort on the weekend, but if your not winning the ball it's pretty hard to kick a score.
mattyb
Guest
Hal,the way you can combine ruthless summaries with accurate observations is both colourful and terrific. I'd like to see you compile a list of all teams to hear your scathing opinions of dislike and respect on all teams. You seam to let the doggies off the hook so I often wonder where they stand in your summations.
hal
Guest
Good teams don't use injury as an excuse and they find a way to win. Out of Port v Richmond I am going for the team I hate the least of the two; Port. Both teams are crap, and as a Cats fan I respect neither of them. The front running Port will jump out of the blocks and perform party tricks to their adoring fans while the toothless Tigers will hang their heads in shame. Despite this Tommy from Rowville, K.B, Trout, and Mario will still continue to put down every other club and shout it is tiger time. Port have three easy kills in a row and their ledger will look respectable, but that won't change the fact that they are dishonest and selfish down hill skiers.