OVERREACTIONS, POSITIVES, NEGATIVES & UNDROPPABLES IN ROUND 7Andrew Slevison
SEN
2 May 2023
Key takeaways: Another error-riddled defeatThe Tigers gave away easy goals to the Suns early, some in calamitous circumstances.
Noah Balta and Tylar Young’s simple turnover kicks were glaring mistakes and these fundamental mishaps must stop if the Tigers are to start finding wins somewhere along the way.
Mistakes happen in games of footy, of course they do, but the manner in which these are occurring is troublesome.
Taking nothing away from the Suns, but to kick 6.12 under the roof is not good enough and to cough up easy goals to the opposition is unforgivable.
The Positive: Thank god for TarantoThe club has been pilloried for recruiting Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, with some believing they’ve gambled away the future.
But imagine the mess they’d be in if it wasn’t for the presence of Taranto.
He had 32 disposals, a team-high eight clearances, a game-high eight score involvements, 564 metres gained (second overall for the game) and kicked a goal.
He would be comfortably leading Richmond’s best and fairest.
The development of emerging ruck/forward Samson Ryan is also a positive among all the negatives.
He kicked two goals from 11 disposals, won 12 hit-outs and took five marks. His finish on the run from an acute angle in the second quarter was quality.
The Negative: Marvel hoodoo continuesRichmond’s hatred or disdain for Marvel Stadium must change.
They have been woeful at the venue in recent times, losing five of six with the other being a draw.
The Tigers have to get over the fact the atmosphere might not be as vibrant as it is at the MCG. They never play this poorly interstate and something must change when they ‘travel’ to Docklands.
What to tweak: Forward line connectionThe forward line connection is at a new low.
The Tigers had 53 inside 50s, as many as the Suns, but could only conjure a paltry score of 6.12.(48).
It was the second lowest score of the round which is nowhere near good enough if you want to be competing for finals.
They rank eighth in the league for total inside 50s, but that hasn’t transferred to scores in which they rank 16th with an average of 71.8 points per game.
Of course the absence of Tom Lynch leaves a gaping hole, but the connection between the mids and forwards simply has to be better.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/05/01/overreactions-positives-negatives-and-undroppables-for-all-18-afl-teams7/
