Preseason AAMI community series: Richmond vs Hawthorn @ Devonport Oval, March 5

[pmac21]

Watched the game.  Honestly very worried about us after today.  Very ordinary after quarter time, hope it's just because it's a pre season game.
Daniel Rioli kicking out of defence was horrendous. 

[mightytiges]

It's always been hard to tell with us as we've never been a team even in our premiership years that goes out to smash the opposition on the scoreboard. Once we gain a decent lead we often just go through the motions and only lift our intensity when we need to.

Our first quarter was dominant and high intensity aside from a couple of dumb frees + a 50.
2nd quarter was ill-disciplined.
3rd quarter was meh and sloppy forward of centre.
4th quarter we put the cue in the rack and threw on some of the cubs - Biggie, Maurice, Martyn.

The way we were desperate to get Soldo re-strapped and back on suggests we were focussing more on getting miles into the legs. In the 2nd half there was a lot of circle work with just long bombs into F50. We didn't try to control and maintain possession or lower the eyes.

[Diocletian]

Stats may say otherwise but it looked like they smashed us in the contest...also looks like we're still not wrapping up the ball in tackles and allowing opposition players to get rid of it ..even with two & three blokes on them....mind you the umps quite often seemed to be giving them a fair bit of time to do so... 

[one-eyed]

Tigers tune up in style, Hawks draftee locks in R1 berth

By Brandon Cohen
AAP
5 March 2022

HAWTHORN         2.1       4.5       5.9       9.15 (69)
RICHMOND          7.4     10.5     13.7      14.10 (94)

GOALS
Hawthorn: Lewis 2, McEvoy, Gunston, Breust, Wingard, Phillips, MacDonald, Koschitzke
Richmond: Balta 3, Riewoldt 3, Lynch 2, Baker 2, Edwards 2, Castagna, Soldo

BEST
Hawthorn: Ward, Worpel, Phillips, Nash, Newcombe
Richmond: Short, Cotchin, Baker, Balta, Martin, McIntosh

INJURIES
Hawthorn: Nil
Richmond: Nil

Reports: Nil

Crowd: 8,412 at Devonport Oval

----------------------------------------------------

HAWTHORN draftee Josh Ward appears to have sewn up a spot for round one after a superb performance in a 25-point loss to Richmond in the AAMI Community Series.

Taken with pick No.7 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, Ward was clearly his team's best player with 29 disposals, four marks and six clearances in a mature showing through the middle.

Despite his efforts, the experienced Tigers were far too strong, running out 14.10 (94) to 9.15 (69) winners in the 'Healing for Hillcrest' tribute match at Devonport Oval.

Richmond made a blistering start to the game, booting seven goals in the opening term to lead by 33 points at the first change.

With Noah Balta and Jack Riewoldt (three goals each) in top gear, the Tigers extended that margin to 46 points at three-quarter time before the Hawks fought back with four goals to one in the final term to reduce the gap.

Balta, whose 2021 was derailed by an ankle injury, appears set to be pushed forward by Richmond this season from his usual spot in defence.

The 22-year-old slotted two goals in the opening quarter and finished with seven marks, two of them contested.

"His ability to compete, bring the ball to ground, bring our crumbers into play was really strong," Richmond assistant coach Adam Kingsley said.

"Obviously he's made an AFL name for himself as a backman.

"But we feel we can stretch an opposition with the three keys, Jack (Riewoldt), Tom (Lynch) and Noah. His aerial stuff is really important.

"I'd imagine he's locked in for a start (in round one) and I'm presuming that's as a forward. But we'll discuss that as the week ... wears on."

Richmond's Ivan Soldo sent a scare through his camp when the ruckman came off limping after twisting his ankle in a third-quarter contest.

He had it heavily strapped but returned to the field not long afterwards.

Teammate Dion Prestia spent time off the field with ice on his hand after a collision but also returned to the paddock, while Tigers co-captain Dylan Grimes appeared to cop a knock but also returned.

Hobart-born Jack Riewoldt finished with three goals in front of a sold-out crowd of 8412.

The match acted as a fundraiser for the families affected by December's Hillcrest Primary School jumping castle tragedy in which six students were killed and three others badly injured.

Fantasy watch
As coaches are on the hunt for the most profitable cash cows, maybe it's time to lock in Josh Ward (MID, $278,000). Hawthorn's first-round draftee averaged 108 Fantasy points in the NAB League and showed he could do it on the big stage, spending bulk midfield minutes in the absence of Tom Mitchell and Jaeger O'Meara. Ward scored 91 from 29 disposals, of which 19 were contested possessions. Richmond's top scorer was Jayden Short (DEF, $783,000) with 126. Is he a pre-season specialist? Last week he racked up 133 points in the practice match and in last year's AAMI Community Series game, the 26-year-old was the best performer for the entire series with 171. Hugo Ralphsmith (MID/FWD, $258,000) has a Fantasy-friendly role playing behind the ball. The defender took a game-high 10 marks to help him to 86 points, a lot higher than his breakeven of 31.



https://www.afl.com.au/news/713371/tigers-tune-up-in-style-hawks-draftee-locks-in-r1-berth

[one-eyed]

Richmond's ability to score off turnovers was the difference in the end with the Tigers outscoring Hawthorn 9.6 (60) to 3.8 (26) from the source.

https://www.afl.com.au/matches/4009

[Tigeritis™©®]

Watched the game.  Honestly very worried about us after today.  Very ordinary after quarter time, hope it's just because it's a pre season game.
Daniel Rioli kicking out of defence was horrendous.

I agree with Rioli. I would’ve had Mansell ahead of him from what I saw in our practice game but that’s all I’ve seen. Just think he wants it more and Rioli looks as though he’s not interested. Obviously Rioli has the tricks and x-factor and it’s probably just a perception of mine but that’s the feeling I got watching.

[one-eyed]

Team stats:

Disposals:   419 - 330
Kicks:         254 - 200
Handballs:  165 - 130
Marks:        114 - 67
Clearances:  32 - 34
Inside 50s:   53 - 52
Tackles:       51 - 55
Hitouts:       34 - 30
Frees:          26 - 21

Individual possies / Eff% / TOG%:

Short    31    93.5     83
Baker   26     84.6    81
Cotch   26     73.1    67
Dusty   26     84.6    86
Kmac    25    80.0     81
Prestia  24    75.5     70
D.Rioli   23    60.9    79
Ross      21    85.7    87
Broad    20    75.0    90
Nank     20    75.0    76
Hugo     20    80.0    85
Balta     19    78.9    73
Aarts      18   72.2    81
Castagna 18  61.1    76
Bolton     15  66.7    73
Edwards 13   53.8    78
Gibcus    13   69.2    81
Tarrant    13  84.6    94
Lynch      11  54.5    87
Riewoldt  11  54.5    84
Soldo       9   44.4    60
Biggie      7   85.7    40
Grimes    5   100     48
M.Rioli    3    33.3     17
Martyn    2   100      23
Brown     -     -         -

https://www.afl.com.au/matches/4009#player-stats

[one-eyed]

Centrebounce attendance stats:


https://twitter.com/AFLstatsmate/status/1499971429080903680

[one-eyed]

Here's the Full Replay:

Click on pic/link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrOcoyZ0wQc

[one-eyed]

Richmond tune-up for season in style as Tigers, Hawks support Devonport community

Peter Ryan
The Age
March 6, 2022

RICHMOND 7.4 10.5 13.7 14.10 (94) d. HAWTHORN 2.1 4.5 5.9 9.15 (69)

The Tigers showed they will be a premiership contender once again after they outclassed Hawthorn by 25 points in the Hillcrest Primary Tribute match in Devonport played to support a community reeling from the death of six primary school students in a jumping castle tragedy last December.

Richmond raced out of the starter’s gate with the first five goals while Hawthorn mentally prepared themselves for a long year more focused on development than wins.

Although the result was decided early, there was plenty for both sides to get out of the day as they tune up for round one with Richmond to face Carlton and the Hawks playing North Melbourne.

Noah Balta played his best game forward for the pre-season kicking three goals to be the game’s dominant forward while the Tigers dominated centre clearances through Dustin Martin - who had 10 disposals in the first quarter - and former skipper Trent Cotchin. Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo exploited Ned Reeves’ inexperience in the ruck. They improved when Max Lynch played in the ruck late.

The Hawks’ pressure was not what it needed to be as the Tigers moved the ball too easily from one end of the ground to the other in the first half, with their new-look defence looking good as Hugo Ralphsmith continued to press his claims to play round one. Josh Gibcus is set to play, although he was quiet.

On the bright side for the Hawks was the performance of midfielder Josh Ward, who took advantage of the absence of Tom Mitchell (groin soreness) and Jaeger O’Meara (hamstring tightness) to play in the middle. Chosen with pick No.7, Ward won the ball courageously and used it well to give Hawks supporters their player to watch in 2022.

Connor MacDonald was quieter, but he kicked goal while Finn Maginness is ready to take another step as a defender.

“We’re looking to find our best mix. Will we have that perfect mix for round one? Probably not,” Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. “We are still going to be evolving.”

The Tigers will be without Kane Lambert for round one while Jack Graham is in doubt as Richmond chase a fourth premiership in six seasons. It’s essential Mitchell and O’Meara return to the midfield for the Hawks in round one. Tigers assistant coach Adam Kingsley said they expected Nick Vlastuin to play in round one.

The Tigers took the foot off the pedal late, allowing Hawthorn to build respect on the scoreboard. Hawthorn’s pressure around the ball and willingness to use the corridor showed that Richmond had a few things to tidy up before the season opener.

“We’re feeling pretty good about ourselves at the moment but watching Carlton’s game on Thursday night, they were terrific, and we’re expecting a tough game. They look like they have improved and gone another step,” Kingsley said.

Optimism surrounds Tasmania’s bid
Premier Peter Gutwein told Fox Footy he was optimistic the AFL would grant the state a licence to field a standalone team in Tasmania saying “the opportunity had never been better” as the building blocks were all in place. The bid received a boost this week with plans for a stadium in Hobart released. Club presidents will vote on the issue in the middle of the year. When asked about the possibility of club bosses voting for expansions, Richmond president Peggy O’Neal said: “Where there is a will there is a way.”

Umpire respect
Jack Riewoldt, who plays the game with skill and passion, gave away his second 50-metre penalty for disputing an umpire’s decision in successive weeks. The rule is reasonable as carrying on after a decision adds little to the game but affects the respect shown to umpires at community level. However, it is sure to impact more heavily on players such as Riewoldt, who are known to gesticulate and become emotional when a free kick is paid against them.

Community spirit
The AFL arrived in town to make a contribution that respected the needs of the community, with Richmond’s Riewoldt leading a group of players from the Tigers, Hawthorn and North Melbourne in a school clinic that was low-key but significant. The league also helped raise money for the Hillcrest Community Public Fund with 8412 supporters attending the match.

Sore spots
The Tigers’ new co-captain Dylan Grimes missed the practice match against Geelong with COVID-19 and did not play in the last quarter after he appeared to hurt his thumb in a marking contest late in the second quarter. It may have been just a precautionary measure but Dion Prestia (hand) and Soldo (ankle) returned to the field after knocks. Gibcus copped a blow to the face late in the game.

RICHMOND    7.4  10.5  13.7   14.10 (94)
HAWTHORN   2.1    4.5    5.9    9.15 (69)

BEST
Richmond: Martin, McIntosh, Cotchin, Balta, Baker, Short.
Hawthorn: Ward, Wingard, Worpel, Breust, Newcombe

GOALS
Richmond: Balta 3, Baker 2, Lynch 2, Riewoldt 2, Edwards 2, Castagna, Soldo.
Hawthorn: Lewis 2, McEvoy, Gunston, Breust, Wingard, Phillips, MacDonald, Koschitzke

INJURIES
Richmond: Grimes (thumb) Prestia (hand) Soldo (ankle).
Hawthorn: Shiels (ill).

https://www.theage.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-tune-up-for-season-in-style-as-tigers-hawks-support-devonport-community-20220305-p5a20r.html

[the claw]

Watched the game.  Honestly very worried about us after today.  Very ordinary after quarter time, hope it's just because it's a pre season game.
Daniel Rioli kicking out of defence was horrendous.

I agree also.  It was only Hawthorn who won"t make the 8, they were also  without their two most productive mids as well. If i said we won't make the 8 most people will howl me down.We lost clearances again and i/50 was pretty even.

Geez Jayden Short our biggest possesion getter which is nothing new  yet heres people talking him up. I thought it was just another Short game there is not a lot of substance despite the fact people go crazy over the crazy metres gained stat and ke stats.

Jack Ross had a good game numbers wise but geez he is ineffective not a lot comes from his involvement in the game.

Castagna and his skills remain laughable what the hell are we doing playing him. Aarts i thought had a go all game but cmon he is not an answer and not the way fwd. The way fwd is to find a classy goal kicking fwd and find a mid who can have an impact like our aging mids have in the past.

Rioli well it seems no one at Richmond wants to criticise him. no way he should be getting a game in front of others. Some club will be stupid enough to trade for him next yr i hope, its all about the name it seems.

While on the name Rioli, i know he had limited game time but it seems he is always where the ball aint and always chasing an opponent.
So far what ive seen i dont think he will make it.At best its another development yr in the two.s for him imo.

We basically broke even in the ruck is there really a need to play both especially with Balta capable of giving one a chop out. Imo the answer to that is no. Imo Tom Lynch is one who should be thrown in there to help free him up a bit in games.

Martyn got just under a quarter and had just the two touches

Brown who i wish we had started  at h/b or on a wing never got a run.

On wingers McIntosh had one of his better games but am i the only one who see's the fumbles and it cost us a few times again.
FFS its a preseason game and my attitude is if you can not get a kick in these games you never will.

Nyuon looks terribly undersized still and Gibcus in the same boat has already gone past him. In the real stuff would hate to see either have to play on a big key fwd.

Ralphsmith imo has done enough to get a gig rnd one would still like to see him locked in the gym with a side of beef.

Balta well the old saying always harder to find a key fwd  than a key back. We have found a key fwd he was always there. Just hope when he has quite games we don't cop people coming out demanding he go back. He will have his share of quite ones.

Finally if Carlton go with Tom DeKoning fwd/ruck, Mckay and C Curnow then i hope we play Miller instead of Gibcus for the opener.

Bottom line is it was a practice game but i don't see the players coming thru to improve us  this year there will be a heavy reliance again on not getting many injuries

[one-eyed]

BUCKLEY’S “BIG WINNERS” AND LYON’S “BIGGEST STORY” FROM THE WEEKEND OF FOOTY

By Andrew Slevison
SEN
7 March 2022

Nathan Buckley has praised Richmond after the weekend of AAMI Community Series action, suggesting their hunger for success remains.

The Tigers beat Hawthorn by 25 points in Devonport in their final tune up before the 2022 season kicks off next week.

Damien Hardwick’s side was irrepressible early on, kicking seven goals in the opening quarter courtesy of slick ball movement, as well as their renowned hunt and pressure which helped deliver three premierhips in the past five seasons.

Former Collingwood coach Buckley spoke highly of the way the Tigers played, outlining some of the areas in which they shone against a developing Hawks outfit.

“I thought Richmond,” Buckley said on SEN Breakfast when asked if there was one team that stood out.

“The way they went about it, some of the positional shifts.

“I thought the Tigers were the big winners.

“I don’t think they were playing much, to be honest. Hawthorn have got a lot of work to do and they are a young group that are going to come through.

“I really like the way the Tigers are setting up and they only recently had a lot of success. I still think they’re a really hungry unit.”

Hardwick has made a couple of positional moves this pre-season, including Noah Balta shifting from his role as a key defender to the forward line.

The 22-year-old kicked three goals, took seven marks, had five inside 50s and 10 score involvements in an accomplished performance in a forward line also featuring Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch.

Garry Lyon was full of praise for Balta’s move, describing it as the “biggest story” of the weekend.

“I thought he (Balta) was the biggest one of the weekend and I saw about 70 per cent of the footy played,” said Lyon.

“Going forward to back is a soda compared with going back to forward. If you can get a back to forward as we saw with Balta, I thought that was the biggest story of the weekend.

“(He was) crazy good.”

Buckley added: “He is enormously athletic. He was really good as a defender, came on in the last 18 months.

“That will be a watch.”

The addition of Balta makes it a potentially top-heavy attack, considering one of Toby Nankervis or Ivan Soldo could also spend time deep, but Buckley believes the Tigers have enough balance with their dexterous smalls, including Jason Castagna.

He added: “That’s some real height there. Whether they can run with all those guys?

“Castagna’s been a player who has played in the middle (at times). He’s given them pressure but he’s also given them a little bit of aerial. He struggles to finish off his work, but in their system he brings heat that they can’t do without.

“I think aerial is just going to be an even more important part of the game as team defences improve.

“If Balta, Lynch and Riewoldt, plus a ruckman, are down the line for Richmond and they’ve got ground level players to speed up from or (apply) pressure - and that’s largely what they built their premierships on - it’s going to be pretty damaging.”

Liam Baker, who is a two-time premiership defender, returned to the forward line late last season and was again busy in attack on Saturday, even spending time through the middle.

Buckley lauded the hard-nosed 24-year-old while indicating that he believes the Tigers could return to contend in 2022 with players like him in full flight.

“The other one that went from back to forward was Baker,” Buckley said further.

“I think what they’ve identified is we’ve always done this on our hunt and pressure, raise the fight, and he’s one of the best (at that). He cut his teeth as a small forward, went to the wing, went back and played really good footy.

“They clearly need his hunt and pressure in the front half.

“There was a five-minute period where he laid three tackles and I thought, ‘Wow, this is going to be good for them’.

“I reckon they’re going to be real good again.”

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/03/06/buckleys-big-winners-and-lyons-biggest-story-from-the-weekend-of-footy/

[one-eyed]

3. Positional shifts

Buckley: “The fact that when coaches see traits in their players and understand the balance of their best teams, because that’s what they’re looking to do, preparing to produce a team, to develop a team, that is going to beat the best on the big stage.”

“(Noah Balta) was really good as a defender, came on in the last 18 months, but (him moving forward) will be a watch.

“The other one who went from back to forward was Baker. What they’ve identified Richmond is, ‘we’ve done this on our hunt and our pressure’ and he cut his teeth as a small forward.

“Went to a wing, went back, and played really good footy, but they clearly need his hunt and pressure in the forward half and there was a five minute period where he laid three tackles and I thought, wow, this is going to be good for them and I reckon they’re going to be real good again.”

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/03/06/the-buck-stops-here-nathan-buckleys-five-biggest-takeaways-from-the-afl-pre/

[one-eyed]

Dimma said he was mostly happy with what he saw on the weekend. Got some good work into the players. He did admit he actually was a little bit angry at the end of the game as he wanted us to go on with it after half-time but he understood we were 50 points in a preseason game and subconsciously the players may have taken a little but off with the game won.