Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke's summary:
Matt Thomas
Was typically competitive in his inside midfield role throughout the match, picking up 30 disposals. We expect him to use the ball a little better by foot, but he’s pushing hard to be AFL ready in the next couple of weeks.
Jason Castagna
Again was very good off the half-back line, picking up plenty of possessions and providing valuable run. Is showing that he could be our next running half-back to force his way into the AFL team.
Connor Menadue
Produced his best performance of the year. Played across the wings and half-back and finished with 24 disposals. The best part of his game was winning the contested football. He won three or four contests, which was really good to see.
Matt McDonough
Played a good inside midfield game. Was strong throughout at the stoppages and around the contested ball. But we need him to get more outside ball and to help set us up going forward.
Matt Dea
Worked hard right throughout the contest in his backline role and helped set us up defensively, as we expect from him. Had a bit more of the ball offensively, too, which was pleasing. Another player pushing for senior selection.
Reece Conca
Performed well over his three quarters of managed game time after returning from injury. Had 19 touches and was damaging around clearances with his run and carry. It was really pleasing to see him display some of those AFL traits following his lengthy lay-off.
Jayden Short
Picked up 17 disposals playing across the forward line and in the midfield. We probably expect more defensive pressure when he is playing as a forward, but he continues to improve, and we want his energy to come to the fore over the next few weeks.
Liam McBean
Played a solid game up forward. Ended up hitting the scoreboard four times (3.1), which is what we expect him to do on a consistent basis. Is still working on his critical contest work and, although he definitely won more on Saturday, in a good battle with Geelong’s Jake Kolodjashnij, we expect further improvement from him in this area.
Matt Arnot
Was our carry-over player, so we had him on managed time, which was three quarters. Expected a better performance from him, given he was returning to the VFL after playing in the AFL the previous week.
Todd Elton
Impacted defensively in the first half, before being moved up forward to give us a key option. Wasn’t as influential as we would have liked during the second half, but his defensive work in the first half was impressive.
Dylan Grimes
Returned from a short stint on the sidelines through injury and contributed well defensively to the team, playing across half-back. It would have been good if he’d been involved more offensively, considering his role. His defensive work, however, was AFL standard again.
Shaun Hampson
His ruckwork was terrific all game and he constantly gave our midfielders first use. Around the ground, however, Hamish Macintosh got the better of him and probably won that duel. In saying that, when the AFL team needs him, he will be able to provide plenty of ruck support.
- See more at:
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-05-06/the-vfl-report-round-3#sthash.XuicBu4D.dpuf
