The Barometer - Round 18Herald-Sun
July 28, 2015RICHMOND
ON THE BLOCK: Shaun Hampson will be assessed after rolling an ankle against the Dockers. He was replaced at half-time by Sam Lloyd who looked dangerous but couldn’t land the killer blow - but he wasn’t alone there. Taylor Hunt struggled to contain Michael Walters at some key moments late in the game.
ON THE CUSP: Richmond’s VFL side was on the brink of a third straight win before being overrun by Sandringham in the last quarter. But there was good news in the form of Reece Conca (28 disposals, five tackles) in his first full game back from a serious hamstring injury. Liam McBean kicked four goals, Matt Arnot had 33 touches and Corey Ellis came through his comeback game unscathed.
AL PATON’S FORECAST: How much more can be written about how many chances Richmond had to beat the team on top of the ladder? Bachar Houli made a blunder with the final kick-in but it was one of long list of missed opportunities, including Dustin Martin’s 0.4 (three posters, including one from 15m) and allowing Matt Taberner to take a pack mark that he converted after the half-time siren. But the Tigers don’t have time to wallow in self-pity with Hawthorn on Friday night. A recent record as good as anyone’s against the Hawks (wins in 2012 and 2013 before copping a pummelling last year) provides some hope, but this will be the big test for the Alex Rance-led stingy defence. Can they keep the Hawks to a gettable score?
http://www.news.com.au/national/gary-ablett-lance-franklin-dayne-beams-all-on-the-injury-list-after-round-17/story-e6frfkp9-1227458535875
