The mighty black and yellow Tiger machine has steamrolled the Essendon Bombers in a Dreamtime in the ‘G clash that was little more than a stat-padder and training run for the reigning premier.
Richmond came out firing, after an indigenous ceremony pre-kickoff that had all in attendance delighted.
When the umpire bounced that first ball, and after some initial clashes settled, the Tigers took control, kicking the first five for the game.
It was only a late goal just on quarter time to Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti that gave the perception that Essendon might still be in the game.
Essendon came out firing in the second, putting a string of goals together, but it was to be a false dawn, as the likes of Josh Caddy and Shane Edwards had their way with the Bombers, to take a 31 point lead into the main break.
From the start of the second half, it was all Richmond, with the relentless all-round pressure and discipline of the Tigers too much for an out-gunned and undermanned Bombers outfit that was feeling the loss of David Zaharakis to what looked a serious shoulder injury.
Shane Edwards, Dan Butler, and the young Callum Moore were too much for the bombers who conceded six goals.
At the other end, the force of Alex Rance was a whirlwind of attack repelling defence as the Tigers, ably assisted by Brandon Ellis, held the Bombers to a single goal in the third, and fourth, quarter.
What looked to be a complete demolition in the fourth petered out to something of cruise control, as the crowd slowly dispersed, and the Tigers played controlled football.
For the bombers, there was not much to take out of the game. Dyson Heppell tried his hardest, but could not do it on his own, while Orazio Fantasia, who took a nasty leg knock early, played his hardest, but simply could not breakdown a Tigers outfit that was in control across the park.
The Tigers will look to their game against Port next Friday with some confidence, and while the travel bug might weigh heavily on their minds, if they can continue this MCG form for the rest of the year, the occasional away loss won’t bother them too much.
As for the Bombers, the bathwater should be thrown out carefully, so as not to lose the baby, but it’s certainly back to the drawing board, a fortnight’s worth of goodwill cashed in in the space of mere hours, with what could be a curious trip to the Gabba awaiting them in Round 12.
Philby
Guest
Oh spare me. The non-footy playing media will have their usual hissy fit over it and carry-on like the bunch of accountant-would-be-football-players that they are. Meanwhile, the ex-footballers - the ones who actually know what they are talking about - criticise Rance for the act, mention that most players are guilty at one stage or another of 'adding a bit of mayo' to make sure the ump doesn't miss it, and move on. So, calm down cowboy.
Philby
Guest
He has loads of confidence Ironmonger, as well as media experience, as he has been one of the comperes of the best footy show on TV, Marngrook, for years now. He just has a very natural and unaffected manner, and is an absolute gem.
Aransan
Guest
I believe he is contracted for 2019. There didn't seem to be much interest in Francis by either SA club in last years drafting period. Essendon were hoping he would develop into a utility but he seems best suited on the back line. He is obviously talented and from memory he was taken with pick 6 in his draft year -- the pick Essendon got from St Kilda for Carlisle.
Sammy
Guest
Is aaron francis in the last year of his contract? I wonder if the crows might be looking to try and get him back to SA at tge end of the year..maybe in a strong draft year they might trade out a player or 2 to get a second round pick that might do it for essendon
Col from Brissie
Roar Guru
Come on TTF you need to know the Harsh Truths. Essendon aren't an awful team, they are a great team. It's just that the Umpires, Gill and the AFL, Brendan Bolton, Ross Lyon etc etc won't let the Bombers play their attacking brand of footy. I reckon you could also blame the Richmond Cheer Squad too because they have too many flags and it distracts the players when they kick for goal.
Kangas
Roar Rookie
This round of footy needs an upset to shake it up .. let’s hope it’s not at the expense of north. Brisbane have a decent record against the kangaroos in recent seasons.
Craig
Guest
Alex Rance has to be fined or suspended for his dive - ffs if I wanted to watch that garbage I’d watch soccer.
Aransan
Guest
The season will give Essendon the chance to develop some young players and to decide who is worth keeping. Guelfi was good, Laverde is improving, Langford will get a chance to have an extended run, Ridley will be a very good player. Stewart is a marginal player who needs to be much better with his kicking. McKernan takes too long and makes bad decisions. Can Essendon fit Aaron Francis into their backline? More chances for Dylan Clarke and Kobe Mutch. The tackle on Zaharakis was designed to hurt and sometimes those tackles cause significant injuries which appears to be the case here.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Thanks for running the Tiges back into reasonable form, Essendon. You are a truly awful team!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Finally a bit of reality for the Bombers......
Craig
Guest
Disgraceful from the bombers tonight. Watching them you never know what you’re going to get, chances are it’ll be the same garbage served up as against Collingwood, Carlton, Bulldogs, etc but there’s a glimmer that it will be like the performance against Adelaide, geelong or GWS. Hurley was dreadful and Goddard was awful. Saad has a crack and stringers miss at a critical time was a real momentum killer. Simply awful. Some ordinary decisions went against us but that probably just changed it from a 50 point dragging into a 70 point drubbing.
Ironmonger
Guest
the best thing from this game: 1. Gilbert McAdam. 2. daylight I so want Gillie to be a regular...I love the guy. As his confidence grows his entertainment will grow...