VFL Tigers redeem with win over Werribee richmondfc.com.au
14 June 2016Richmond’s VFL side bounced back from last week’s disappointing loss to Coburg in fine style with a clinical 31-point win over Werribee at Punt Road Oval on Sunday.
The hosting Tigers controlled the tempo of the game from the outset, as it squeezed and suffocated Werribee to run out winners, 11.15 (81) to 6.14 (50).
After a less than impressive display against Coburg, Richmond set out to make amends for its lack of effort and intensity.
The Tigers’ effort, intensity and care for each other were clear from the opening bounce and were the cornerstones from which their third win of the season was built.
Richmond debutant and Old Scotch’s dynamic forward Jono Daggian started his first outing in the yellow and black in grand style by kicking the opening major.
The Tigers re-jigged their forward-line after last week’s lacklustre performance with inclusions Daggian, Ryan Bathie and Jake Aarts all having a hand in the win.
Daggian’s day was cut short however after pinging his hamstring, with Bathie’s electric three final-term majors and Aarts’ pressure and tenacity in the front half proving invaluable.
Aarts was handed the task of quelling Werribee’s rebounding defender Scott Sherlock and nullified his output considerably, which went along way to Richmond securing the win.
Richmond’s four-goal-to-nil first term set-up the win, with a stark improvement in effort and intensity which enabled it to play the game in its half for the majority.
The Tigers denied Werribee the ball, and were bold and fluent with their ball movement, and had winners inside 50.
Key Tiger tall Liam McBean enjoyed the more favourable conditions with his sticky one-handed mark and goal delighting the rugged-up Richmond faithful.
The Tigers took a 23-point lead into quarter-time where coach Craig McRae applauded his side’s outstanding approach and reiterated what can be achieved if they play and work as one.
The second term tightened up, as Werribee began to work back into the game with Majak Daw opening his side’s account.
However, Richmond steadied via goals from Oleg Markov and Tom Silvestro after exceptional assists from Aarts and McBean, respectively.
The Tigers stretched their lead out to 32 points by half-time, as their hard work was beginning to pay-off.
Richmond’s ability to restrict and cut down Werribee’s time and space was highlighted by the fact they were only allowed to take nine first-half marks.
McRae spoke about “...everyone playing their role”, and the want to work hard for each other and work as a collective, and also for his charges to remain calm and patient with the ball.
Richmond repeatedly pumped the ball inside 50 for the majority of the third term, with very little reward.
The Tigers kicked 0.7, while Werribee’s Aaron Black nailed the only major of the quarter.
Richmond peppered the goals and dominated the quarter, but held its nerve despite being held goalless.
The Tigers were comfortable in the knowledge that if they stuck the course, then the goals would come in the final term—they just had to remain patient.
Werribee swung intercept defender Lachie Hansen forward for the final term, with instant results.
The visitors nailed back-to-back goals to start the final term, cutting the margin to 18 points before Aarts’ crumbing steadier handed the Tigers back the momentum.
Werribee responded once again – then enter Ryan Bathie.
Bathie’s trio of final-term goals put the result beyond doubt, and ensured a Tiger victory.
The ex-US college basketballer cashed in on a 50-metre penalty for his first and sunk his set-shot from beyond the arc.
His second came moments later when he shrugged a would-be tackler inside 50 and coolly slotted a right-foot checkside, and his third was the sealer.
Tiger inside-mid Andrew Moore played like the “bull” he promised to be over the pre-season, with 34 disposals and 19 contested possessions.
Other notable contributors were Jason Castagna (31 disposals & 19 handball receives), Jacob Ballard (27 disposals) and Sam Darley (29 disposals).
The most pleasing fact was the evenness of the performance and it was a perfect way to enter this week’s bye.
The Tigers take on arch rivals Collingwood after the bye at Victoria Park on Sunday 26 June.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-06-14/vfl-tigers-redeem-with-win-over-werribee
