VFL Tigers skipped past by ZebrasBy Brenton Mann
Richmond Media
11 March 2023Richmond VFL went down to Sandringham by 30 points in a practice match at the Swinburne Centre on Friday.
The Tigers, whose team comprised of a a full contingent of VFL-listed players, started swimmingly with two early majors.
However, Sandringham grasped control of the game in the second and third terms, skating to a five-goal win, 12.14 (86) to 8.8 (56).
Lachlan Johnson has enjoyed a fruitful Summer so far, which continued as she showcased his forward craft by snapping the opening goal.
Johnson ended the game as Richmond’s leading goalkicker with four majors and was a constant threat deep inside 50.
Both sides looked to move the ball with speed and ferocity, which led to it pinging between the arcs.
Athletic defender Mutaz El Nour was imposing and defiant in the air, which allowed Richmond’s running game to flow from backward of centre.
Misilifi Faimalo is daring with ball in hand but has looked to blend his attacking flair with a steely defensive edge, which was on show in the first quarter.
Johnson was a constant threat in attack although Sandringham arrested momentum and capitalised up forward in time on.
The Zebras took an 11-point lead into quarter-time on the back of some slick ball movement.
Richmond struck early in the second term as Beau Tedcastle pounced on a loose ball in the goal square, taking advantage of a free-kick to Austin Johnson and soccering through his first major.
The Zebras hit back swiftly before Cam Olden belied his height in the air and kicked truly for back-to-back goals. His second handing the Tigers’ a one-point lead.
Richmond kicked clear again until Sandringham ended the quarter with back-to-back goals, reinstating their two-goal lead.
The Tigers’ intent to pressure Sandringham was evident from the first bounce, as tensions started to elevate with both sides cracking in.
Both sides had their opportunities early in the third term, as the Tigers strived for greater connection inside 50.
Sandringham broke the deadlock with its ninth goal, extending its lead to 20 points.
As fatigue set in, the slick ball movement turned scrappy, however the Zebras kept the scoreboard ticking over, extending its lead to five goals.
Tom Bracher was a positive for the Tigers down back, showing dash and composure with the ball and courage without it.
Olden was injected into the midfield with instant impact, extracting the ball from a stoppage which led to Tom Brindley extending his telescopic arms to mark with touch and strength.
Brindley moved the ball on quickly, which allowed Lachlan Johnson to jag another goal, as the Tigers lifted their rating in the final term.
Richmond's remaining hit-out of the pre-season will be against Carlton at the Swinburne Centre in six days’ time, a curtain-raiser ahead of the two sides' Round 1 AFL clash next Thursday evening.
RICH 2.2 6.3 6.4 8.8 (56)
SAND 4.1 8.3 10.9 12.14 (86)
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1281338/vfl-tigers-skipped-past-by-zebras
