POSITIVES & NEGATIVES FOR ROUND 23Andrew Slevison
SEN
22 August 2023
The Positive: Superb send off for premiership starsIt was a great day at the MCG on Saturday.
The way that Richmond sent off premiership heroes Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt was superb.
The era may now be over, but that was a great way to remember what they achieved in the yellow and black.
The Tigers also honoured retiring North Melbourne veteran Jack Ziebell in a respectful manner on what was a memorable day of celebration.
The Negative: Another key forward kicks a bagRichmond’s defence has been an integral part of the way the team played throughout its successful era.
But in recent weeks, they’ve been towelled up as a collective by an opposition key forwards.
Nick Larkey kicked six goals at the MCG on Saturday, Max King did the same at Marvel Stadium a week earlier, Jamarra Ugle-Hagan returned five in Round 21, Harrison Petty bagged half a dozen in Round 20 and Mitch Lewis four before that.
The defence has now become an issue for the Tigers.
Noah Balta has had a decent season but appears to be worrying too much about attacking, Dylan Grimes is slowing down fast, Tylar Young is still very inexperienced and Nathan Broad has been down in recent weeks, while Nick Vlastuin is the exception having played fairly well.
The Tigers will get youngster Josh Gibcus back next year but how do they go about tightening up in defence?
A lot may rest on whoever their new coach is and how he decides to play given Andrew McQualter has looked to regularly be on the attack.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/08/21/overreactions-positives-negatives-and-undroppables-for-all-18-afl-teams23/
