Richmond have started their 2018 much the same way they ended their 2017 year with a big win against the Bombers in the JLT Series.
Richmond cruised to an 87-point win, 124 to 37.
The Bombers started the game well kicking the first two goals through their new recruits Adam Saad and Devon Smith but that was the highlight of what was a lacklustre performance as the Tigers responded with ten straight goals.
Richmond ran away with it in the second half and the Bombers were unable to answer the call.
Richmond showed that any hangover from 2017’s premiership has well and truly worn off as they were impressive throughout.
The Tigers utilised their much-feared defence as they were able to lock up the Bombers for much of the game. When the Bombers were able to break the line Richmond were quick to respond with an intercept mark or a quick goal at the other end.
Both sides were hit by early injuries with Toby Nankervis from Richmond and Zach Merrett both suffering concussion-like symptoms after head knocks in the first quarter. Jake Stringer received a number of stitches after a head clash with Alex Rance in the first quarter as well but was able to play out the game.
Disappointing game for Essendon but it is still week one of the pre-season competition so they have plenty of time to work things out, and they will need to with their second JLT game being against Geelong and their week one clash against the Adelaide Crows.
Richmond will want to sharpen up on their one on one contests which was their only downside all day but overall they looked dominant.
Shai Bolton looked good for Richmond and will hope to have a much-improved campaign in 2018. He was the leading goal kicker for the game with three.
Devon Smith led both sides with 26 disposals for the Bombers.
Philby
Guest
Agreed. Though I'd rather win by 87 points than lose by that much.
Wilson
Roar Rookie
It's JLT. It's a more or less full-strength Premiership side playing against half a VFL side with a new game plan. These games tell us nothing.
Dave
Guest
So you think Richmond are that much better than the teams I listed?how many goals better than them 8 teams? Apart from the Dons all those teams finished outside the eight. I never mentioned the finalists from last year or the wild cards hawthorn and west coast. Not gonna be an easy season for anyone, if Richmond make it it will be well deserved.
Rissole
Guest
It's more that there is nothing positive to say about their performance. I don't really care to bicker over a meaningless match that I wouldn't read too much into. Lost to Gold Coast, Collingwood and Geelong last preseason but beat them all when it counted. If the team puts a performance up like that in Round 1 against Adelaide there would be lots of comments from us "die-hards" but it wouldn't be to defend the team.
Philby
Guest
...and by the way, Cat, I'd say you're wrong in calling me pompous - I'd throw that one straight back at you. A bit sad, too, that you can't even express an opinion on this site without someone like you taking potshots.
1DER
Guest
Would not be selling the Bombers short just yet. While their contested game is in he bottom six (6) of the league they have a powerful forward line. No way Stringer will play midfield he will play as a permanent forward and should kick 30-40 goals given his past record. The Dons forward half will comprise Hooker, Fantasia, Stringer, Tippa and Daniher as permanent forwards,. and read my comment above re the Tigers.
1DER
Guest
I think this game was all about Richmond making a statement that we are the team to beat this season. Premiership teams under performing next season is not in their vocabulary. Went into this game with virtually full side. The upside to the Tigers is that their strongest point of difference is forward pressure and that is the area were they have the numbers of players putting their hand up.
truetigerfan
Guest
The absence of comment from Essendon diehards is astounding, though not surprising. Won't be the last time they abandon their team this year . . . sure to be a few 3/4 time walkouts to beat the traffic.
Philby
Guest
Obviously, you and I have different opinions/predictions regarding Richmond in the year ahead, which is fine - that's what a discussion is all about. Though I will temper that by saying my prediction is based on what is going on at the club rather than what was going on in the mind of a supporter of a totally different club. Whatever, the only time it goes beyond opinion/prediction is when it becomes historical fact, e.g. Tigers premiers 2017. Let's see if the lads can make some more history this year. At this stage, the Tigers players and fans have good reason to be confident.
mattyb
Guest
But you said "we know how that turned out" like supporters have an influence?
Cat
Roar Guru
I am not saying the Richmond Football Club is like the Western Bulldogs Football Club. I am comparing Tigers supporters to last years grandiloquent Bulldogs supporters.
truetigerfan
Guest
Keep tellin' yourself that, dude. Some people will believe anything.
Dave
Guest
Richmond vs Freo,pies,dons,Saints,dogs,Saints,or Dee's. The Tigers start favourites in all those games but very far from unbackable favourite.home ground injuries and umpires will probably have more to do with the results than the talent of the teams.
Dave
Guest
Richmond are a good team and if they get to the eight they are a chance to go back to back. I just think the teams outside the eight aren't that far behind and we are in for a cracking season. My only certainties are Geelong and Adelaide.
mattyb
Guest
What does the dogs have to do with the tigers? It reminds me of when people compared the dogs to Port Adelaide. There all completely different clubs.
Cat
Roar Guru
You sound just like a Dogs supporter in 2017 ... we all know how that turned out.
Philby
Guest
Way to go, True Tigers Fan. I reckon the rest of the comp think our premiership was just a matter of everything falling exactly into place for us at the right time. Very few, if any, would rate us the best team in the competition. They are in for a shock. While we maintain our defensive pressure, we'll also improve our skill level as the team matures and younger players gain experience. This is just a practice match, so it really means nothing in the general run of things. However, it is an indicator of what may be ahead, and what many around the club have been predicting. I love it that we are so underestimated - and judging by comments here, we may be underestimated all the way to back-to-back premierships. Last paragraph in this article, just an example: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-02-16/aflx-not-an-exciting-new-format-of-a-beloved-sport-richard-hinds/9452570?section=sport. Fantastic motivation for the players! Go Tiges.
truetigerfan
Guest
Absolutely agree. Essendon were a non-factor. Are a non-factor. Practice matches don't mean much but . . . geez, hate to say it but I agree with Don above. And when your 'best' players don't give a yelp things aren't looking good. The result probably says more about the Bombers chances this year than ours.
Cat
Roar Guru
I wouldn't put much weight into thumping a bunch of witches hats. Pretty easy to look good when the other side is absolutely pathetic.
truetigerfan
Guest
Cheers, Col. Not getting ahead of myself yet. Reckon the Bombers are an 'average' team at best and were slightly weakened yesterday though their efforts were an awful indication of what may lie ahead this season. Am expecting the Tiges to hit the scoreboard more this season . Look forward to resuming hostilities against the Bluebaggers not only in Round 1 but in finals in the not too distant future. Keep the faith, worked for us big time. Richmond and Carlton top4 is exactly what this comp needs! I'd like to see that. What do ya reckon Roarers?