Footscray returns to VFL as victor over Richmond Brent Diamond
The Age
April 5, 2014 - 6:03PM FOOTSCRAY began life as a stand-alone VFL team in emphatic style with a 117-point win against Richmond in a return to the Dogs’ spiritual home at Whitten Oval on Saturday.
Fittingly, it was Ayce Cordy, the son of former Bulldog Brian who played many of his 124 games at the ground, who monstered Richmond defender Ben Darrou to kick five goals and become the game breaker in the third term.
Cordy, who has gained almost 20 kilograms since joining the Bulldogs as a father-son pick in 2008, appears to be finally on the brink of showing that he belongs.
The Bulldogs faithful didn’t disappoint also, with more than 5000 fans flocking to the match billed as a curtain-raiser for the AFL game just across town in the more modern facility of Etihad Stadium, which has been adopted as their new home.
Conversely, this was a sombre start for Tim Clarke’s Tigers. They were undermanned in defence, outrun in the midfield and their forwards barely gave a whimper.
Former Port Melbourne speedster Nathan Batsanis was one of the better performers with two goals, while ex-Greater Western Sydney midfielder Anthony Miles showed plenty of touch in the first half.
Former WAFL star Ross Young stood tall at times, while Brad Helbig and Todd Elton provided some highlights but there was little to rejoice about.
The writing was on the wall for the Tigers at half-time. They trailed by 41-points and were sliced apart in the midfield with Mitch Honeychurch providing plenty of drive while Tory Dickson, who finished with four majors, caused more headaches for the undersized Richmond defence.
On top of that, Jordan Russell along with co-captains, Nick Lower and Lukas Markovic, stamped their authority early. Tom Young and Brett Goodes, two strong-bodied midfielders, were outstanding and among the top possession getters.
After the main break, any chance of a Richmond comeback evaporated with Alex Greenwood – who played in Williamstown’s development team flag last season – snaring an early goal while Jake Batchelor gave away a 50 metre penalty to Cordy, who was having a day out.
Richmond midfielder Nathan Foley, who was quiet for the first half before getting his hands on the ball at half-back in the second half, continued the undisciplined acts by giving away the Tigers’ third 50 metre penalty for the term.
Cordy kicked his fourth goal just before three-quarter time and then his fifth came with another strong contested grab early in the final term. The Bulldogs thumping concluded at 26.9 (165) to 7.6 (48).
The Bulldogs were relentless and proved that with the right mix of youth and experience, they may well be strong contenders this season and are far more advanced than Richmond is at this early stage.
Russell, who played 125 AFL games for Collingwood and Carlton before being delisted last season, said he has impressed by the Dogs’ culture.
''I think just the culture of the place (has impressed me) ... everyone is on an equal playing field and everyone wants to play for the team and help each other out,'' Russell said.
Richmond, however, was missing Aaron Edwards, Liam McBean and Chris Knights. All three suffered injuries in last week’s VFL practice match win against Essendon, which was a stark contrast to what was dished up a week later.
Edwards, who suffered a medial ligament injury, said yesterday that he hopes to return to playing in two weeks.
Without him, their main focal point in attack was ex-Cat Ryan Bathie, who battled manfully but the Tigers lack of confidence in moving the ball forward was obvious.
Of more concern for the Tigers will be rough conduct charges for Batchelor and Darrou, who were both reported in the second half.
Richmond will revisit Coburg City Oval next Sunday when it takes on its former affiliate Coburg.
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