Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke's summary:
Matt Thomas35 disposals, 15 contested possessions, nine marks, six clearances
Played another strong game through the midfield, picking up 35 disposals, including 15 contested possessions. Continues to use the ball well, and continues to put pressure on our AFL midfield group.
Matt Dea28 disposals, 11 marks
Was again solid in his defensive role, while also helping to set us up offensively. Is positioning himself really well at the moment and playing some really high-end VFL football. Also is pushing hard for senior selection.
Matt McDonough27 disposals, 16 contested possessions, five clearances
Returned after a weekend off and provided us with plenty of grunt inside. Finished with an impressive 16 contested possessions and used the ball really well going forward. Another player pressing for a senior opportunity.
Matt Arnot20 disposals, six marks
Spent two and a half quarters down back and then moved into the midfield during the second half. Gave us a bit of grunt again. Is really starting to develop as a small defender, and we know that he has the ability to go and impact through the midfield. That versatility is starting to really add to his game.
Jason Castagna20 disposals, seven marks
Is continuing to show what he can do. Had 20 disposals off half-back and provided us with plenty of excitement with his run-and-carry. His ball use, which has been a focus for him over the past two or three weeks, keeps on improving. We’re really looking forward to what he can produce over the final weeks of the season.
David Astbury15 disposals, six marks
Maintained his impressive critical-contest form, taking several really strong marks. Played two and a half quarters forward and spent the rest of the time in defence. Gave us plenty of stability when he went back there. Set us up well, using the ball as efficiently as I’ve seen from him. If an opportunity opens up at senior level, he’s ready to take it.
Nathan Gordon15 disposals, six marks
Started the game really well. Played a variety of roles, including half-forward and through the midfield. This versatility is an area of his game that has to be developed. Hit the scoreboard a couple of times, but we needed him to kick more goals if we were going to be competitive in the match.
Reece McKenzie15 disposals, 10 contested possessions, seven marks
Again showed improvement in the critical-contest area. Hit the scoreboard with three shots for goal, which was pleasing. But it’s critical-contest work that he’s focused on, and it’s been very good from him for several weeks now.
Steven Morris14 disposals, four marks
Played a really good role for the team as a defender. Was relentless with his defensive work on the opposition players and relentless with his attack on the footy. Also helped set us up offensively. Would like to see him get more of the ball, but his all-round value to the team is significant.
Connor Menadue13 disposals, nine handball-receives
Very similar to ‘Morro’, played well defensively and helped set us up in a few of our offensive chains, but didn’t get as much of the footy as he had the previous game. It will be a focus of his over the next few weeks, to stay involved in the contest as a half-back.
Dan Butler12 disposals, seven handball-receives
Ended up playing three quarters, which was pleasing. Played a combination of on-ball and forward. Had more involvement than the previous week, with some really good contest wins. Drove his legs well out of the contest. We’re continuing to work on this with him and we feel that over the next two or three weeks, he’ll start to produce some solid performances.
Liam McBean12 disposals, six marks, five goals
Was really good in the critical contest. Took three or four strong marks and finished with five goals (5.1), so he was always dangerous deep forward. Is stringing together a top-quality month of AFL-standard footy. We’re excited about the next few weeks for him.
Todd EltonNine disposals, four spoils
Had more game time than the previous week. Did a really good job on one of Box Hill’s key forwards, restricting him to just one shot for goal, which came from one of our turnovers. His critical-contest work was back to its best and, hopefully over the next few weeks, we can keep working on his game.
Ivan SoldoSix disposals, 12 hit-outs
Battled well in the ruck against Jonathon Ceglar, who’s an AFL-standard big man. Had a bit more of the ball than previously and competed well in and around the contest with three tackles, which was pleasing to see in his game.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2015-08-04/the-vfl-report-round-16
