OVERREACTIONS, POSITIVES, NEGATIVES & UNDROPPABLES FOR ROUND 8Andrew Slevison
SEN
9 May 2023
The Key Takeaway: Much-needed, hard-working winIt took some time, but Richmond eventually out-worked a plucky West Coast outfit at the MCG on Saturday.
Damien Hardwick’s side was made to work hard for a first win since Round 2. It wasn’t easy, but that’s exactly what they needed as opposed to a dominant thrashing.
In the end they opened the shoulders in the second half, kicking 10.6 to 4.5, and finished with +22 inside 50s and +11 scoring shots in a comfortable 46-point win.
It was a much-needed result and now gives them a chance to reset and reload.
The Positive: Bolton, Prestia and Dusty finding formShai Bolton has been below his best in 2023, but found form against the Eagles on Saturday.
The 2022 All-Australian lit up the ‘G with 31 disposals, 18 contested possessions, 13 score involvements, eight marks, seven clearances, two goal assists and three goals.
It’s a great sign ahead of this Friday night’s clash with Geelong.
Similarly, Dion Prestia was dangerous in a slightly altered role which saw him spend a little bit more time forward.
He kicked an equal career-high three goals - all in a row in a third-quarter meatball avalanche - had 13 score involvements (a game-high alongside Bolton) and two goal assists
Dustin Martin also tuned up for the Cats with 27 touches and indeed looked sharp.
What they need to tweak for next week: Bring full effort and intentThe Tigers took a while to start purring against the Eagles and cannot afford a similar tardy beginning against Geelong on Friday night.
The Cats have returned to winning form with five in a row, but opposition sides have shown that you can at times stymy them with pressure, effort and intent.
If Richmond bring anything less than that in Round 9, then it won’t end well.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/05/08/overreactions-positives-negatives-and-undroppables-for-all-18-afl-teams8/
