Richmond’s first game of the JLT Community Series saw some strong performances by their up-and-coming rookies as the Tigers defeated Melbourne by 12 points in Shepparton.
Noah Balta – who was a part of the fold at Punt Road last season – was the Tigers’ most impressive player and made a claim to be selected for Round 1 against Carlton. The big-bodied Balta gathered 18 touches and could be the next big swingman at the club, playing a handy role in the ruck as well as up forward. Balta kicked two goals and showed plenty of run-and-carry through the middle.
The other first-gamers Riley Collier-Dawkins and Jack Ross started slowly in their first real taste of AFL football. Collier-Dawkins had six touches for the day but showed plenty of promise with a good run and a good intensity to attack the ground ball and chase a hard ball get.
Riley Collier-Dawkins. (Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
The Tigers did find it hard adapting to the new 6-6-6 formation to start. Ivan Soldo began in the ruck with Toby Nankervis starting up forward to try new things. At times Soldo did look a little out of his depth playing as the main ruck for most of the game and struggling to keep up with the pace of the game.
The new formation looks to be favouring Richmond’s game style, despite the critics that said they would struggle due to their lack of on-ball rovers. Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Brandon Ellis forming the spine of the centre six was fantastic.
The room that opens up for Martin to run in the corridor will be dangerous come Round 1. Dusty did suffer what looked to be a knee issue after landing awkwardly late in the second quarter. Martin was moved to the forward line shortly after where he kicked two in quick succession, relieving most Richmond supporters watching on.
Melbourne had a lot of good moments and were unlucky to go down by 12 points in the end. Sam Weideman will be a good replacement for Jesse Hogan in the forward line. Weideman kicked two goals and had a strong body presence up forward, making sure he wasn’t bullied too much in the marking contest.
Melbourne face Brisbane next week in the second and final week of there JLT pre-season competition and Richmond travel down south to face Hawthorn in Tasmania.
Dan from Tigerland
Roar Rookie
The first round of JLT matches and seemingly quite a few Demons fans shutting down the practice match win for the Tigers as not impressive and the Tigers should of won by more against the "Demons kids". Sure the Demons had the likes of big man Max Gawn, ball winner Jack Viney and fearless leader Nathan Jones out of their side but the Tigers also had their fair share of "stars" out of the game with Josh Caddy, Shaun Grigg, Jason Castagna and the new man Tom Lynch all missing for the Tigers. On paper the teams were evenly matched and it was a fair contest in the first half with the Tigers looking the stronger team across all 4 quarters. Most should be able to admit that the 12 point deficit at the end of the game didn't really reflect the powerful display the Tigers put on in the 2nd and 3rd quarters with the likes of Martin and Cotchin heavily rested in the last quarter. Back to my original comment, there was no over the top celebration from the Richmond faithful as years gone past, they clearly know now that they are a contender and are a little jilted by the failure during last years Preliminary Final loss to Collingwood. However, is this a case of the Demons fans getting ahead of themselves during the JLT series? Which is purely an opportunity for teams to see how young and underdeveloped players can mix it with a handful of stars whilst also getting game fitness into the legs. Many pundits are on the "Dees" bandwagon this season and perhaps that's just another fairy tale similar to Richmond 2017 and the Bulldogs of 2016 but until September 2019, the "Dees" supporters should just keep a lid on it, we all remember what happened in 2016 when they thought a finals birth had been clinched.
Realist
Guest
When it's taken in context and compared with the biased figures from last year (have a look for yourself) Joel then it is quite alarming. Richmond needs to be proactive about this umpire bias and as I have already indicated, I hope they've already privately highlighted this to the AFL.
Realist
Guest
Lachlan, you're doing your credibility no favours at all....In the 2nd quarter Richmond kicked 5.4 to Melbourne 2.0 straight. That's 9 scoring shots to 2 and you're saying that the Dees were the better team in the 2nd quarter. In fact, during the 2nd and 3rd quarters the Tigers kicked 10.11 to 4.1. Thats an absolute smashing! Please go back and watch the replay because I really don't think you actually watched the game!
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
They played a lot better over the first 2 quarters than Richmond . Loosing games when your up is very unlucky
Joel Thompson
Roar Rookie
@Realist — Ay ay ay, when one is complaining about the umpiring in practice matches you know we have a problem.
User
Roar Rookie
Nah wasn't me I see Richmond as the only Vic team in the top four come season end
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Ouch! Very insulting to be compared to Crows supporters. By the way, weren't you one of the bandwagoners suggesting Richmond's 'lack of depth' would be a problem in 2019? me thinks so.
User
Roar Rookie
Sounding like an Adelaide supporter there TTF, it's cute the way you're cherishing minor premiership glory.
Realist
Guest
Melbourne "unlucky to go down by 12 points in the end"? Were we watching the same game Lachlan? Richmond had 60% more scoring shots than The Dees. Richmond were unlucky not to win by a lot more. And I see the bias by the umpires against Richmond that occurred last year has continued. It's got to stop. I hope the Tigers are talking privately to the AFL about this!
Lachlan Mitchell
Roar Guru
100% agree there growth and talent coming through is second to none . Plenty to look forward to ,Exciting times Tiger fans
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
And yet the 'pros' and naysayers continue to say the Tigers 'have no depth' on the basis that they released a few fringe players to allow them more opportunity elsewhere. What a joke! The best side of 2018, clearly, will be okay in 2019.