Rejigged Tiger forwards impress to down Demons in match simBy Sarah Black at Casey Fields
afl.com.au
18 February 2024RICHMOND has started its journey under new coach Adem Yze with a win, albeit in a pre-season match simulation, with the Tigers seeing off Melbourne by 23 points.
After four terms of the unofficial hit-out, the Tigers were in front 18.9 (117) to 14.10 (94) in unusually still conditions at Casey Fields.
There were then a further three periods of play largely involving VFL players, although Demons stars Clayton Oliver and Christian Salem also took part having missed the opening four terms.
Oliver was at his eye-catching best in his first serious hit-out after a turbulent off-season, kicking a brilliant goal early before requiring medical assistance after landing heavily following a brave attempt to catch a high handball.
Melbourne had the better of the VFL hit-out, winning 8.3 (51) to 3.8 (26), with the final score on the day finishing Richmond's way, 21.21 (147) to 22.13 (145).
Melbourne got off to a flyer in the four quarters to start the day, with Jack Viney seemingly not caring it was an unofficial game as he charged through the middle with gusto, while Christian Petracca appeared to do as he pleased, booting two first-quarter goals as the Dees kicked the first five of the day.
Richmond started to turn the game in its favour towards the end of the first and into the second, answering the Dees' five opening goals with 10 straight of its own.
Noah Balta (three goals) and Shai Bolton (four) formed a dangerous duo up forward with a string of individual highlights, as ruck recruit Sam Naismith - in the absence of Toby Nankervis - provided plenty in the middle against the might of Max Gawn. Recruit Jacob Koschitzke also kicked two goals in his first major hit-out for the club.
"It'll be a work in progress for a little period, with Kozi coming across from Hawthorn," Tigers assistant coach Ben Rutten said of the new-look forward line, which will be without spearhead Tom Lynch for their Opening Round clash against Gold Coast.
"We know what he can do, but we expect that he'll take a bit of time to settle in. Balta up there as well, he's played a bit of forward, but predominantly in defence last year.
"A bit of that cohesion will take a bit of time, but I thought they continued to work well and create some isolation down there as well at times, which was good to see."
When the Demons were on, they connected beautifully down the ground, pin-pointing passes and generating plenty of bounce out of defence.
In the absence of most of Melbourne's first-choice forward line, Josh Schache played a key role alongside Jacob Van Rooyen, with Bayley Fritsch also providing a smaller target.
Dees defenders Steven May and Jake Lever shook off some rust to have the best of the aerial battle, with the Tigers mainly coming through with the goods when the ball was on the deck.
Tigers SSP prospect Mykelti Lefau came on for the final quarter and kicked a goal as he pushes for a rookie spot on the senior list.
Both sides were missing a host of senior players. Richmond was without managed quartet Dustin Martin, Tim Taranto, Dylan Grimes and Nankervis, with Dion Prestia (hamstring), Tom Lynch (conditioning after injury), Liam Baker (personal), Jacob Bauer (hamstring) and Liam Fawcett (back) also sidelined.
Melbourne was equally skinny. Tom McDonald, Lachie Hunter, Shane McAdam (all calf injuries), Andy Brayshaw (illness), Charlie Spargo (Achilles soreness), Harrison Petty (toe), Ben Brown (knee), Daniel Turner (femur), Taj Woewodin (concussion) and Andy Moniz-Wakefiled (thigh) all missing.
Young gunsMelbourne's Kynan Brown caught the eye from the opening bounce, playing on the wing and at half-forward and slotting a stunning goal in the opening minutes. Caleb Windsor found a bit of the footy, while Will Verrell took the ruck reins in the second half of the AFL. Thomson Dow was a very steady presence for Richmond in the middle, and Steely Green – bearing a strong resemblance to Liam Baker – was lively up forward. Kane McAulliffe came on for the final 15 minutes of the AFL game and immediately won a holding-the-ball against Petracca.
Switching positionsAll eyes were on Noah Balta, who played the primary role up forward in partnership with recruit Jacob Koschitzke. Normally a key defender, Balta took a little while to work into the game with a couple of dropped marks and panicked moments, but looked superb when roosting them from 50. Melbourne played a fairly conventional 18, with no real surprises. Kozzie Pickett spent some time in the middle and was quick on the burst, but it's a role he's played before.
Injury watchRichmond small forward Rhyan Mansell's day lasted approximately three minutes, with the 23-year-old hobbling off with a right ankle complaint and finishing the game in a moon boot. He will get scans on Monday and while the is hopeful it is a simple rolled ankle, there's a potential for a high ankle sprain. If ruled out of the start of the season, his absence could open the door for a potential debut for Steely Green. Jacob Hopper got his leg caught in a tackle but was moving freely post-match. Max Gawn played one half on managed minutes, while Balta, Josh Gibcus (who got through his first game in a year unscathed) and Tylar Young played three terms.
Fantasy tempterRichmond was without several first-choice on-ballers today so it's difficult to get an accurate read, but Thomson Dow ($407,000) looks set for some solid midfield minutes this season. The 22-year-old played all four quarters on the ball and those at the Tigers have been raving about his form and fitness all summer. If you're looking for a bit of value, he could be an option.
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MELBOURNE 5.1 7.5 12.8 14.10 (94)
RICHMOND 3.1 10.6 13.6 18.9 (117)
(after four terms)GOALS
Melbourne: Petracca 2, Pickett 2, K. Brown 2, Fritsch 2, Van Rooyen, Chandler, Gawn, Lever, Schache, Verrall
Richmond: Bolton 4, Balta 3, Koschitzke 2, Green 2, Sonsie 2, Short, Campbell, Lefau, Pickett, M. Rioli
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1077138/clayton-oliver-returns-in-melbourne-demons-v-richmond-tigers-match-simulation-full-scores-highlights-report
