Dion Prestia's grunt is key to Richmond's hopesIf the Tigers were to knock off Carlton on Thursday evening, they had to match the Blues' effort at the coalface. That's exactly what the Tigers did from the off and it was led in part by Dion Prestia who was sensational all evening at stoppages. In Richmond's round one loss to the Blues, Prestia hurt his hamstring, which was a significant blow to the midfield stocks against the plethora of Carlton midfield stars who ran all over them on the night. However, on this occasion, the three-time premiership star was available for the entirety of the game and his inclusion paid major dividends. Prestia was everywhere, accumulating 33 disposals (19 contested) and winning a whopping game-high 13 clearances - which was eight more than any of Carlton's midfielders.
- Nick D'Urbanohttps://www.afl.com.au/news/782199/six-things-we-learned-there-s-a-new-contender-for-max-s-crown--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dion Prestia might be Richmond’s most important playerRichmond’s midfield bull Dion Prestia was immense on Thursday night against Carlton.
Against a Blues midfield that’s been hailed all year as one of the competition’s best, Prestia wrestled control on the inside for his side picking up 13 clearances to give Richmond a 41-28 win in that area.
With his influence early on helping the Tigers to a five-goal lead, Prestia was probably the difference in a game that tightened up late.
Although Dustin Martin is Richmond’s best player, Prestia’s inside ball-winning ability for a side that doesn’t typically dominate in that area might make him the player the Tigers can ill-afford to lose on the road into finals.
We know he’s had troubles with his body in recent years, but if the 29-year-old stays fit, there’s no ceiling on where this side can go in 2022.
- Lachlan Geleithttps://www.sen.com.au/news/2022/06/19/the-six-things-we-learned-from-round-14-1/
