Richardson has last laugh over Dons
11 July 2005
Herald Sun
Grantley Bernard
IT was late in the fourth quarter and Essendon fans behind the Jolimont goals gave Matthew Richardson a bit of a hard time as Richard Tambling lined up a shot.
Fortunately, it was late enough in the game for Richo to give the Bomber fans the perfect response. The Richmond forward smiled and quietly pointed a finger at the MCG scoreboard.
By the end of the game, that scoreboard signalled a 26-point win for Richmond and that was plenty for Richo and the Tigers, who again celebrated by delivering footballs to their fans.
While his numbers were not huge and he was dragged for playing on and missing from 10m out in the first quarter, there was plenty to admire about Richardson's game and his application.
Much maligned for his attitude and body language, Richo was a leader for the Tigers, running hard on and off the ball, kicking two goals and setting up a few more for better placed teammates.
"He's just an enormous presence up forward for us," Tiger Mark Chaffey said. "He plays with a lot of passion. He's just enormous for the footy club and he played another great game today.
"When he plays well, we definitely play well. He's an amazing athlete and just a very hard guy to match up on and he works his butt off for the club."
It seemed contagious for the Tigers as Chaffey shut down James Hird, Shane Tuck continued to bloom, Wayne Campbell found the ball at will and Mark Graham gave Essendon debutant Courtney Johns a cold welcome to the AFL.
Not that Johns was on his own as a battler for Essendon. All over the field the Bombers appeared one or two steps slower than the Tigers, while their skill execution was found wanting on too many occasions.
One major key Richo did for the Tigers was give them confidence. When the Tigers midfield went long with purpose, Essendon's onballers went long in hope.
Richmond also showed resolve, refusing to wilt when Essendon closed to within 10 points in the third quarter.
The Tigers, and Richo with his point to the scoreboard, also proved one other thing: winners are grinners and the losers can please themselves.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,15884539%255E19771,00.html
