Media articles and stats: Tigers fall to Cats in Geelong

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Tigers fall to Cats in Geelong

richmondfc.com.au
12 August 2017

Richmond's losing streak at the hands of Geelong has extended to 13 following a 14-point loss to the Cats at Simonds Stadium on Saturday.

Harry Taylor played forward for the hosts, finishing with four goals and was best on ground as they won 11.14 (80) to 9.12 (66) to move ahead of the Tigers into third place on the ladder.

The Tigers set up a grandstand finish, launching a brave second-half comeback to draw within a goal early in the last term, having kept the Cats goalless for the third quarter.

The Cats had dominated the first half of the third quarter but a brain fade from big ruckman Rhys Stanley caused a turnover that gifted Richmond a goal and led to the Tigers kicking three unanswered goals and regain momentum. 

With pressure building, a piece of magic midway through the last quarter was required from Steve Motlop to steady the Cats.

Motlop, returning from injury, kicked a banana goal from nearly straight in front using the outside of his foot.

When Daniel Menzel soccered through a goal minutes later the Cats had snuffed out the Tigers fightback.

The Tigers had lost Josh Caddy to a hamstring before quarter-time after the ex-Cat kicked the first goal of the game against his old club.

Richmond used Dustin Martin forward for much of the game and the Brownlow Medal favourite didn't have his usual influence.

Geelong's Patrick Dangerfield was outstanding in the middle but he had good support from ruckman Zac Smith who dominated the ball in the air.

Led by Lachie Henderson and Zach Tuohy, the Cats' defence was stingy with the old firm Andrew Mackie and Tom Lonergan proving hard to pass.

GEELONG         3.2      8.5      8.9     11.14 (80)
RICHMOND     3.4      4.5      7.9      9.12 (66)

GOALS

Geelong: Taylor 4, Menzel 2, Motlop, Stanley, C.Guthrie, Mackie, Simpson
Richmond: Martin 2, Riewoldt, Houli, Butler, Caddy, Cotchin, Rioli, Edwards

BEST

Geelong: Taylor, Dangerfield, Menegola, Kolodjashnij, Motlop, Tuohy, Smith
Richmond: Lambert, Martin, Cotchin, Prestia, Grimes

INJURIES

Geelong: Stanley (right calf)
Richmond: Caddy (left hamstring)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stevic, Meredith, Mitchell

Official crowd: 32,266 at Simonds Stadium

http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2017-08-12/round-21-match-report

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Five talking points: Geelong v Richmond

afl.com.au
12 August 2017


1. Make that unlucky 13
Richmond came down to Simonds Stadium on the back of six wins in seven games and was expected to snap its 12-match losing streak against Geelong to post yet another win that would stamp itself as a genuine premiership contender. Instead, the opposite happened. The Tigers closed the margin to six points by three-quarter time but ultimately, a poor second term was costly. Damien Hardwick's outfit has shown resilience this season and that characteristic will again need to be drawn upon in huge clashes with Fremantle (Domain Stadium) and St Kilda (MCG) as it tries to nail down an all-important spot in the top four.

2. Taylor gives Rance one of his rare bad days
Chris Scott wore plenty of criticism early in the season for using Harry Taylor up forward but the long-time defender is starting to thrive in attack. Replacing the suspended Tom Hawkins, Taylor had Alex Rance as an opponent, a man known as the competition's premier defender, and was comprehensively the better player. Taylor finished with four goals and was excellent in a couple of one-on-one contests to mark against the Tiger, with one effort in the second quarter when he tapped it to himself before taking control the highlight. It's another weapon Geelong can use as it bids for a fourth flag since 2007.

3. Geelong's season not dead yet, despite Selwood being sidelined
An ankle injury to the skipper Joel Selwood was seen as a possible death blow to the Cats' season. Instead, they showed enough to suggest they can't be ruled out of premiership contention yet, if Selwood is somehow able to return to his best form for the finals series. Against a fellow top-four side, the Cats did the job without Selwood, Mitch Duncan and Hawkins (both suspended). They were impressive for much of the game and perhaps the best part was they were able to withstand Richmond's push in the third quarter to hold on and regain control.

4. Caddy out will hurt in the run home
Josh Caddy was coming off one of the best games of his career, having booted four goals against Hawthorn. The former Cat kicked the first of the match but soon afterwards injured his left hamstring. Him being sidelined will have ripple effects both in the midfield and up forward. Caddy's big body is useful at the coalface but perhaps just as importantly, he offers Damien Hardwick a forward target. In Caddy's absence, Dustin Martin spent much more time in attack in the second half. It was a tactic that worked because Richmond won plenty of footy in the third and fourth quarters but not having the option of Caddy could hurt.

5. Richmond's ladder position vulnerable
Sydney is pushing hard for a top-four spot after it thumped Fremantle, with its percentage far ahead of Geelong and Richmond, which sat in third and fourth respectively after this contest. The Cats should feel reasonably confident about nabbing the double chance, although games against Collingwood (MCG) and Greater Western Sydney (Simonds Stadium) will pose challenges. Meanwhile, the Tigers travel to face Fremantle before returning to the MCG to come up against St Kilda. They are still well in the hunt to finish in the top half of the top eight but there could be some nervous moments yet for Tigers supporters.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-12/five-talking-points-geelong-v-richmond

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Back in the fold, Steven Motlop inspires Geelong Cats to win over Richmond Tigers

Jon Pierik
The Age
13 August 2017

GEELONG 3.2 8.5 8.9 11.14 (80)
RICHMOND 3.4 4.5 7.9 9.12 (66)

Goals:
Geelong: H Taylor 4 D Menzel 2 A Mackie C Guthrie R Stanley S Motlop S Simpson.
Richmond: D Martin 2 B Houli D Butler D Rioli J Caddy J Riewoldt S Edwards T Cotchin

Best:
Geelong: Taylor, Motlop, Dangerfield, Lonergan, Tuohy, Smith, Mackie
Richmond: Prestia, Martin, Cotchin, Lambert

Umpires: Matt Stevic, Simon Meredith, Andrew Mitchell.
Official Crowd: 32,266 at Simonds Stadium.

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While doing the radio rounds pre-match, Geelong chief executive Brian Cook made it clear the Cats would soon be open to offers for Steven Motlop - the inconsistent but sometimes match-winning star who is off contract.

Almost three hours later, the Cats may have had a different opinion, for Motlop - in his return from a fortnight's training block - was instrumental in his team edging Richmond by 14 points at Simonds Stadium.

It was an afternoon to savour for the locals, for they finally had one of the traditional "big four" Melbourne-based clubs in town. There was barely a spare seat for this intriguing clash that had major momentum swings, with the Cats hanging on and appearing to lock in a top-four berth.

This was arguably the Cats' best win of the year for it came without three of their best four players - Joel Selwood (ankle), Tom Hawkins (suspended) and Mitch Duncan (suspended). But their resilience, composure and clever coaching from Chris Scott proved the difference.

While there had been great focus on the battle betweenPatrick Dangerfield and Dustin Martin, with both having an influence, the Cats also went to work on what they felt was another key match-up. Without Hawkins, the Cats opted to direct their attack as often as possible through Harry Taylor in an attempt to expose Alex Rance's one perceived weakness - his ability to prosper in one-on-one marking battles.

Taylor ensured the league's intercept king had to be accountable, and were even prepared to drag him to full-forward to do so. This meant Rance could not provide rebound for teammates - a telling blow. The Saints were able to do the same last month in a major win.

Taylor finished with four goals, was involved in several others, and took six marks. He provided the sealer after another strong mark over Rance, with the multiple All-Australian Tiger then banished to the forward line in what was considered a statement by coach Damien Hardwick. Why Rance wasn't moved on to another opponent was a question the Tigers may ponder.

The loss means the Tigers, who enjoyed another fine performance from Dion Prestia, must defeat Fremantle and St Kilda in the final two rounds to still be a chance for the top two.

Motlop, who has battled groin soreness, finished with 19 touches, 15 uncontested, but was in the top five players for metres gained. He played as if he knew his future was on the line. His work rate and dash ensured the absence of Selwood and Duncan was not sorely felt.

Coach Chris Scott was delighted with how Motlop had responded.

"We took him out for two weeks to manage an injury. As a lot of players do at AFL level, they are not perfect every week. A lot of them continue playing every week but he was limited to the point we didn't think there was any value in him playing on," he said.

He also delivered a telling goal in the final term, a clever shot from the outside of his boot that left the majority of the 32,266 fans delirious.

Dangerfield was typically tough in the contest and had a game-high 30 possessions. He may have polled votes for a Brownlow Medal he cannot win. Martin also had plenty of valuable touches and kicked two goals.

The Tigers too often panicked with the ball in their back half - an issue that cannot be repeated if they are to enjoy a deep finals run.

"We didn't hunt the ball anywhere near to the level that we would like. That will be an area of improvement this week," coach Damien Hardwick said.

They had burst from the blocks, booting the opening two goals inside five minutes. Caddy had a fine start against his former club, snapping successfully. He has been a great find up forward, having left the Cats because he did not get enough time on the ball. Sadly, his day would soon end with a hamstring strain. When Jack Riewoldt, in his return match from an eye problem, marked strongly and converted, the Tigers were up and about. Or so we thought.

From there, the Cats slowly, then surely, took control. Rhys Stanley, Taylor and Cam Guthrie would have the Cats in the lead within a four-minute burst, as the hosts lifted their intensity.

That would elevate further in the second term, with Taylor dominant inside 50. While Dan Butler prospered from a mistake from Zac Smith to provide the Tigers with the opening goal, the Cats would drill five in a row. Bachar Houli didn't help the Tigers by missing the first of two easy shots from 20 metres, having benefited from a 50-metre penalty.

The Cats were able to absorb the Tigers' pressure, then rebound. Contested and uncontested possessions remained even but the Cats won the key moments. When the Tigers did win possession at a stoppage, the Cats would regain it through having more numbers a kick behind play. Ruckman Zac Smith had the better of the Tigers pairing Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo.

Rance's dirty afternoon was on show when he was fooled by an ugly bounce that allowed Taylor to dribble through a goal.

That Zach Tuohy, Jake Kolodjashnij and Andrew Mackie led the Cats' possession count to half-time highlighted the dominance of the Cats' half-back line. When Mackie drifted forward on the cusp of half-time and drilled a goal confirming a four-goal lead, the Tigers were in strife.

The script, once again, would flip, to the extent the Cats were goalless in the third term - their first goalless term this season.

The Tigers crunched their opponents in contested ball, while Prestia, Cotchin and 10 touches to Kane Lambert ensured greater midfield drive.

It would take 13 minutes for the first goal, when Daniel Rioli capitalised on a poor decision to centre the ball by Stanley. Houli would botch his second easy shot, again having been aided by a 50-metre penalty. However, he would make amends minutes later - and the Tigers were on a roll.

Dominating clearances 7-1 and inside 50s 10-2 for the term to that point, the Tigers again capitalised when Cotchin found room from a heavy pack and snapped successfully, leaving his side six points behind at the final change - and a riveting contest for all on hand to enjoy.

VOTES

8: Harry Taylor (Geelong)
8: Steven Motlop (Geelong)
8: Patrick Dangerfield (Geelong)
7: Tom Lonergan (Geelong)
7: Dion Prestia (Richmond)
 
http://www.theage.com.au/afl/afl-match-report/back-in-the-fold-steven-motlop-inspires-geelong-cats-to-win-over-richmond-tigers-20170811-gxug6t.html

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Mark Robinson says Tigers needed two Dustin Martins as Patrick Dangerfield stars

MARK ROBINSON,
Herald Sun
13 August 2017

RICHMOND has the same issue as the Western Bulldogs.

It’s about robbing Peter to pay Paul.

At the Bulldogs, it’s about playing Marcus Bontempelli as a forward when he’s required in the midfield and vice versa..

At the Tigers, and evidently on Saturday, especially in the final quarter, it’s about Dustin Martin as a forward when he’s required in the midfield and vice-versa.

The Tigers were far from embarrassed, but four points and heading back to Melbourne cockahoop about a top-four finish was the objective.

They depart Geelong with slaps on the back for a solid effort, but it means little when the chasing pack for a top-four spot is still very much breathing and hunting.

Dustin Martin was good.

Geelong’s Patrick Dangerfield was enormous.

Martin, the Brownlow Medal favourite and the player challenging Dangerfield as the best player in the competition, if he isn’t already, finished with 21 disposals, 13 contested balls, five clearances and nine score involvements.

Dangerfield was huge in the midfield and he finished with 30 disposals, 21 contested balls, 10 tackles, 11 clearances and eight score involvements. And three votes if the umpires are still giving votes to suspended players.

The Tigers needed Martin in the middle and Martin in the forward line and while the juggling act has produced some withering results in the past, it didn’t work against the Cats.

The Tigers won the clearances 41-35. But they didn’t use the ball well. In the final quarter, when the Cats were calm and methodical and kicked important goals, the Tigers were sloppy and coughed up the ball too much.

Martin was deep in the forward line for the majority of the term, but they couldn’t get it deep enough to him. He was forced up the ground t half-forward such was Geelong’s dominance, where he had to contend with two opponents in the air.

That is Geelong’s one wood: Outnumber at the back, take marks, start attacking.

That Josh Caddy tore a hamstring presented Richmond coach Damien Hardwick with a structural headache in the forward line, which maybe required the coach to use Martin forward more than he wanted to.

Martin played 69 per cent midfield and 31 per cent forward, which was only marginally more than his season average (73-27).

Jack Riewoldt is the key forward, but Caddy’s strong body allows him to be a key forward forward-type target.

All in all, Riewoldt was OK, Caddy was missing, the resting ruck was a non-factor, the mosquito fleet couldn’t kick goals and Martin was the leading goalkicker with just two.

Yes, a second key forward — be from within or recruited externally — is still Richmond’s priority.

The Tigers were beaten by 14 points and had to deal with headaches all match.

One of them was Harry Taylor playing forward opposed to Alex Rance.
Harry Taylor stood up for the Cats opposed to Alex Rance. Picture: Getty Images

It was planned for Taylor to be an “accountable’’ forward and he did that and kicked four goals and arguably was the most influential player on the ground.

Another was Steve Motlop who, unluckily for the Tigers, sliced his way through the forward half of the ground and produced his best after being questioned most of this season.

Another was Lachie Henderson, who took eight marks in defence and was part of Geelong’s aerial dominance.

Another, and perhaps most important, was team contribution from the Cats.

Saturday was supposed to be about Richmond announcing themselves as a top-four certainty, which would’ve put the arousal level of Tigers fans at a 20-year high.

Instead, it was vindication the Cats aren’t a two-headed monster.

No Joel Selwood. No Tom Hawkins. No Mitch Duncan. Well, no worries.

Coach Chris Scott is not into measuring wins against each other, but this would be among his most satisfying in his home and away seasons.

Richmond’s pronounced improvement in pressure and defensive style this season was good but not good enough.

In fact, Geelong’s pressure was superb and it forced the Tigers to make mistakes.

Their kicking for goal was one aspect — Bachar Houli missed two goals from 20m — but sloppy hands and ball use was another.

Little things in the final quarter such Nick Vlastuin finding the opposition from a kick-in from fullback, Dion Prestia missing a teammate and handballing out of bounds, Toby Nankervis marking and playing on by hand, only to turn it over and giving a goal to Motlop and Brandon Ellis kicking out of defensive 50 which was marked by Jed Bews and led to a goal to Dan Menzel.

They were a gazillion mistakes, as there are in all games of footy, but in a game-deciding final quarter, Richmond didn’t deal with the pressure as well as Geelong did.

Of course, it was a learning experience for the Tigers.

As for the Cats, all you can do is tip your hat to them. They deserve it.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/more-news/tigers-wasted-chances-against-cats-and-need-a-second-forward-option-writes-mark-robinson/news-story/5b4bfd7beb19d9de256c47b5477263c8