AFL Report Card: Round 9Matt Balmer, Ben Waterworth, David Zita and Max Laughton
Foxsports
17 May 2021RICHMONDDusty, Dusty, Dusty. The Tigers superstar was the best player on the ground with Dustin Martin lifting at crucial points throughout the game. When the Tigers needed a spark, Martin was there to bob up and boot a goal, helping Richmond to victory. Liam Baker played one of his best games in the yellow and black, while youngster Riley Collier-Dawkins had some exciting moments.
IN THE VOTESMartin will have been one of the first names talked about by the umpires after his four goal haul and he’s sure to be topical, given he played a big role in the goal umpire dislocating his shoulder. His on-field work was outstanding and he stood up with a number of fellow stars missing. Baker was outstanding in his new-found role in the midfield, racking up a career-high 33 disposals, nine inside 50s and eight clearances. Jayden Short’s rebound work was also strong, while Toby Nankervis won the ruck battle for most of the night.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTWith a plethora of big names missing, it was no surprise to see the Tigers go down in the contested ball by 15. But it was their inability to stop Jesse Hogan that would’ve been the most disappointing for Damien Hardwick, forcing him to shuffle the magnets throughout the contest. With their full allotment of talls down back, the Richmond structure wasn’t as strong as it has been in recent times.
GRADEA
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-report-card-round-9-2021-afl-analysis-every-club-graded-best-and-worst-players-votes-reaction-news/news-story/5d906abb184c6e16ff1a43c8170393c8
