Summary Richmond's training went up another gear on Thursday with a 30-minute, modified match simulation session.
Five weeks out from the 2019 season opener against Carlton at the MCG, 16 Tigers took on another 16 of their teammates on Punt Road Oval.
The star-studded Yellow team featured the likes of Dustin Martin, Toby Nankervis, Dion Prestia, and Club leaders Trent Cotchin, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt.
Riewoldt continued the form that saw him win last year's Coleman Medal, booting three goals over the course of the period. Two were from set-shots after trademark marks on the lead, while his other was a snap following a stoppage inside the forward 50.
Martin and the returning Dan Butler were involved in most of the Yellow side's attacking moves, including Martin kicking two majors of his own, and Butler snapping through one.
Tiger recruit Mav Weller displayed what he may be capable of in 2019 when he led out from the goalsquare to strongly mark a perfect Martin pass and cooly convert the set-shot.
While the Green side wasn't as potent in attack, their three goals came from impressive chains of ball movement.
Ruckman Ivan Soldo kicked the final two goals of the session for the Green team; the first a set-shot following a decent mark on the lead.
Liam Baker had earlier snapped their first goal from tight on the boundary line, having marked the ball inside 50 following a move that started with Brandon Ellis stepping inside a tackle off half-back, leading to Jack Graham, Noah Balta and Kamdyn McIntosh all getting involved.
Ellis and McIntosh were key players for the Green side, continually linking up together across half-back and through the middle, while Graham displayed good signs after his off-season shoulder surgery, laying a couple of heavy tackles.
Richmond fans will be able to see the players in action next Saturday morning, February 23, with an open training session and 2019 jumper presentation taking place at the Swinburne Centre, Punt Road Oval from 8am.
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2019-02-14/tigers-continue-building-towards-round-1
