Both the Richmond Tigers and Essendon Bombers are looking to build on encouraging, albeit losing performances last week when they meet at the MCG. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 1:40pm (AEST).
While the Tigers suffered their second consecutive loss against the Bulldogs, they showed excellent commitment and endeavour, were a little unlucky in their ten-point defeat.
Richmond, who have averaged just over 60 tackles a game this season, laid a season-high 76 tackles and their constant pressure forced the Bulldogs to make uncharacteristic mistakes.
Dustin Martin continued his brilliant form, with 38 disposals, and was ably supported by captain Trent Cotchin. The Tigers would have also been encouraged by rookie Oleg Markov’s excellent debut, as he provided great drive from the backline. Third gamer Jason Castagna was also influential, with 19 possessions in the midfield.
The last-placed Bombers have lost 13 in a row but have often been competitive, including last week’s narrow 11-point loss to the Saints. The Bombers probably felt as though they blew their best chance in 13 weeks for a win, finishing with more scoring shots and missing numerous chances in front of goal.
Joe Daniher had a good game but his kicking for goal again let his team down. Best and fairest favourite Zach Merrett was superb again with 36 disposals.
Prediction
These teams rank 14th and 18th respectively in points scored and inside 50s this season, so goals may be at a premium. Last time they met, just seven weeks ago, the Tigers scored at the time their highest score of the season, thanks to six-goal quarters in the first and third terms.
Their midfield proved too much for the Bombers, led once again by Martin. The Bombers will rely on Michael Hartley holding Jack Riewoldt; Hartley has been one of the Bombers’ finds of the season and was superb last week against the Saints’ Josh Bruce.
The Bombers also welcome back David Zaharakis and ruckman Matthew Leuenberger from suspension and Leuenberger’s clash with Shaun Hampson could be pivotal.
In the end though, the younger Tigers may have just enough class to hold off the depleted Bombers, who have found it hard this season to put two good performances together.
Tigers by 18 points.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Thanks for joining us today , remember to catch all the other games on the Roar.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
MATCH REVIEW The Tigers did just enough to hold off a determined Essendon team at the MCG today running out 19 point winners in what was a tight game all day. Once again it was Dustin Martin who led the way finishing with 43 possessions, 22 of which were contested and 14 clearances. He was ably supported by captain Trent Cotchin who finished with 38 possessions. The Bombers came to play today and they got off to a fast start kicking the first three goals of the match. But for the second week in a row the Bombers poor kicking for goal again proved costly. They had 28 scoring shots to the Tigers 22. There were several periods in the game where the Bombers had a big block of play in their forward line but poor disposal let them down and the Tigers would then rebound and make the most of their inside 50s by converting on the scoreboard. That was helped by big Ben Griffiths who played one of his best games for the Tigers finishing with three goals and 12 marks, five of them contested and more importantly were taken inside 50. He was the best key forward on the ground as both Jack Riewoldt and Joe Daniher both has quiet games. The Tigers did suffer a big blow early in the third quarter when Brett Deledio hobbled off with a calf injury and took no further part in the game. Deledio had a dominant decond quarter where he had 12 possessions and set up the Tigers half time lead. Twice in the second half the Tigers increased their lead to three goals but each time the Bombers who applied excellent pressure all day, came back hard. In fact in the last quarter it looked like they might have overrun the Tigers when they scored three goals in a row to get within one point with eight minutes remaining. But the Tigers with Martin once again leading the way, steadied and were able to finish off the Bombers. The Bombers would have disappointed but there would have been a lot to like about their performance even though they were wasteful at times and lacked polish. They tackled hard all day and out tackled the Tigers 87-63. Zach Merrett was again superb with 35 possessions and ten tackles. Craig Bird had his best game for the Bombers and Orazio Fantasia was their most dangerous forward finishing with three goals. In the end Tigers coach Damien Hardwick would have been relieved with the win and there some bright moments from some of their younger players, including Oleg Markov’s running goal in the second quarter and Daniel Rioli’s poise in the last quarter when kicking a vital goal to stop the Bombers run. Jason Castagna followed up his impressive performance last week with 23 possesions today. FINAL SCORES RICHMOND 16.6.102 ESSENDON 11.17.83 VOTES 3. Dustin Martin (Rich) - The difference between the two sides, 43 disposals, ten clearances and two crucial goals, he did it all. 2. Zach Merrett (Ess) - Was ferocious at the ball finishing with ten tackles and kept his team in it all day. 1. Trent Cotchin (Rich) - He and MArtin had 40 contested possessions between them and his calm and poise ensured his team kept its nose in front.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
FINAL SIREN at the MCG and the Tigers hold off the Bombers to win by 19 points RICHMOND 16 . 6 . 102 ESSENDON 11 . 17 . 83
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
MArtin marks 35 out near the boundaryand with his 43rd possesion he wraps it all up with a nice GOAL!! RICHMOND 16 . 6 . 102 ESSENDON 11 . 17 . 83 Q4 1'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
3 mins remaining and Tigers by 13 points RICHMOND 15 . 6 . 96 ESSENDON 11 . 17 . 83
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Sting seems to have gone out ...tigers maintaining possession
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Tigers forward again and Riewoldt takes a good pack mark 40 out. Misses to the right RICHMOND 15 . 6 . 96 ESSENDON 11 . 16 . 82 Q4 6'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Dea gets a free paid against him defensive 50 for a throw...looked like he handballed that. Grigg makes no mistake. RICHMOND 15 . 5 . 95 ESSENDON 11 . 16 . 82 Q4 7'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Tigers go forward....Lloyd throws it on the boot ...Rioli marks 40 out. Good kick and kicks a crucial GOAL! RICHMOND 14 . 5 . 89 ESSENDON 11 . 16 . 82 Q4 8'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Riewoldt marks 40 out but free paid against him...Bombers take it away...Merrett in the middle to Langford who finds Daniher on the 50...plays and kicka a long GOAL!!! 1 point game !! RICHMOND 13 . 5 . 83 ESSENDON 11 . 16 . 82 Q4 10'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Brown sends the Bombers forward again ..Fantasia with a snap...just misses RICHMOND 13 . 5 . 83 ESSENDON 10 . 16 . 76 Q4 11'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Gleeson finds Kelly who runs to 50 and shows them how to do it with a nice GOAL! RICHMOND 13 . 5 . 83 ESSENDON 10 . 15 . 75 Q4 12'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Throw in on the wing...well sharked by Hams ...to Dempsey in the middle ...hits McKernan on the chest 30m out. Poor kick ...misses to the right. RICHMOND 13 . 5 . 83 ESSENDON 9 . 15 . 69 Q4 12'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Brown marks at half forward and he finds Fantasia in the pocket who misses to the left. RICHMOND 13 . 5 . 83 ESSENDON 9 . 14 . 68 Q4 14'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Tigers straight out of the middle , Martin throws it on his boot and Griffiths takes another good contested mark. 40 out he kicks his third, been the best key forward today. RICHMOND 13 . 5 . 83 ESSENDON 9 . 11 . 65 Q4 17'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Tigers go forwrd ..Grigg to Rioli back to Grigg and he snaps a GOAL RICHMOND 12 . 5 . 77 ESSENDON 9 . 11 . 65 Q4 18'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Daniher cops one too high 30m out from goal. Directly in front....kicks the GOAL!! Game on here at the G!! RICHMOND 11 . 5 . 71 ESSENDON 9 . 11 . 65 Q4 19'
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Last qtr is under way...
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
Bombers wasting a few chances there, 16-8 in their favour for inside 50s in that quarter. Deledio a big loss for the Tigers, he was very influential in that second quarter. Gwilt has his knee iced and doesn't look like he'll be taking part in the match. Brown went back as a result.
Lou Lando
Roar Guru
THREE QUARTER TIME at the MCG and the Tigers lead by 12 points. RICHMOND 11 . 5 . 71 ESSENDON 8 . 11 . 59