Preseason 2023 - Richmond vs Melbourne @ Casey Fields, Sat. March 4

[pmac21]

Hopper didn't do much, Taranto was good

[TigerLand]

Hopper was noticeable in centre clearances.

Have to remember Dee's will be the yardstick this year with Brisbane.

[mightytiges]

Final Score

Richmond     0.3     3.6       7.9      10.11-71
Melbourne    5.3     9.8     12.11    18.13-121

Goals: Riewoldt, Lynch, Martin, Baker, Balta, Dow, Short, Taranto, D.Rioli, Ryan.


Well that was fun to watch - NOT! 

[MintOnLamb]

Was it just me or was that very underwhelming?

Hopper looks like a kick round the shoulder and hope, very Nick Daffy style…

[mightytiges]

Was it just me or was that very underwhelming?

Nah, it's not just you. If that was meant to be dress rehearsal for round 1 then that was really poor.

The weird part as I said during the game is the area which was supposedly our main weakness (inside ball/clearances) was reasonable. We matched Melbourne in there. We got enough of first hands and disposal the ball. But from there we just butchered it. Our connection and forward half play and delivery was terrible and our defending on transition and to high balls to the hot spot was just woeful. There's so much to fix in less than two weeks  .

As for individual Tigers, liked Bakes' game (easily our best), Taranto, Floss, maybe Dan Rioli, Dow in parts, Samson in the last. Everyone else was down though and a few Tigers might as well not have turned up.

If Prestia is fine and Cotch doesn't have a case to answer then I'd guess the main positive is we got through the game unscathed (touchwood). But, it's very hard to find too many other positives from that "effort" or rather lack of. There's plenty of Tigers who deserve a good kick up the backside and a spray from Dimma after that performance.

[Francois Jackson]

Hopefully you don’t pin your hopes on Hopper. I certainly wasn’t one who wet my pants on his recruit like others did. Taranto is a star.

PG yes though I have seen nothing different thus far to how we played last year.

[one-eyed]

Dees' tall duo sets up big win, another injury worry for star Tiger

By Sarah Black
afl.com.au
4 March 2023


MELBOURNE     5.3     9.8     12.11     18.13     (121)
RICHMOND       0.3     3.6       7.8        10.11     (71)

GOALS
Melbourne: Grundy 3, Gawn 3, McDonald 3, Spargo 2, Neal-Bullen, Pickett, Sparrow, Brown, Chandler, Petracca, Hunter
Richmond: Martin, Balta, Riewoldt, Lynch, Dow, Baker, Short, D.Rioli, Taranto, Ryan

BEST
Melbourne: Petracca, Gawn, Hunter, Oliver, May
Richmond: Baker, Taranto, Hopper, Vlastuin, Martin

INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
Richmond: Prestia (strained pec)

Reports: Nil

----------------------------------

A FRIGHTENINGLY quick Melbourne side – capitalised upon by twin towers Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy – has torn through Richmond, sending a warning to the rest of the competition with a 50-point win at a packed Casey Fields.

Rubbing salt into the wound for the Tigers was yet another injury to premier midfielder Dion Prestia, his game finishing early in the second term with a strained pec in the 18.13 (121) to 10.11 (71) loss.

Gawn and Grundy played a variety of roles around the ground, the skipper even featuring in defence at times, and kicked six between them before half-time, with their marking a clear highlight.

The Tigers were without Robbie Tarrant (hip), with former VFL defender Tylar Young given a baptism of fire against 'Gawndy'.

The speed at which Melbourne moved the football – driven by the likes of Christian Petracca (32 and four clearances), Clayton Oliver (31 and nine), Lachie Hunter (26) and Kozzie Pickett (14 and six tackles, playing mostly midfield) – left the Richmond defence at sixes and sevens, futilely lunging at the backs of Demon jumpers while two steps behind their opponents.

The Demons kicked six goals before Richmond saluted for its first through Dustin Martin (staying close to goal the entire game) in the second quarter.

Melbourne's disciplined defence, directed by Steven May (22 and nine marks), and the work of its midfielders to push back made life very difficult for Richmond, with Tom Lynch playing after missing last week's match simulation, and Noah Cumberland often the deepest forward.

If it wasn't the tall Demon forwards causing havoc (including Tom McDonald and Ben Brown), the smalls continually bobbed up, with Charlie Spargo and Kade Chandler providing plenty of spark and running hard throughout.

Liam Baker – who had appendix surgery just two weeks ago – was one of Richmond's best, playing off half-back with 36 disposals and 660m gained.

Lynch's day ended at three-quarter time in a planned rotation after spending most of pre-season rehabbing a foot injury, with Samson Ryan – who had a lively final quarter – coming on in his spot.

New faces
Melbourne winger Lachie Hunter performed strongly as he pushes for a round one berth, racking up 26 disposals and impressing with his overlap run and smarts around the field. He capped off a strong day with a stunning goal from the boundary, on the run. On the surface, it appears there aren't any teething issues with the inclusion of Grundy, taking now-Docker Luke Jackson's role beautifully. It was a quiet hitout but good experience for Judd McVee, while youngsters Steely Green, Taj Woewodin and Ryan saw limited game time.

Round one chance
Hunter and Grundy aside, Melbourne is unlikely to be featuring any fresh faces in its first 22 for its round one game against the Western Bulldogs, but keep your eye on Kade Chandler (1.3) who was a constant threat throughout the game. For the Tigers, previous fringe players Thomson Dow (15 disposals) and Judson Clarke (14) performed quite well in the midfield and on the wing respectively. If Marlion Pickett (adductor) doesn't come up, pencil Clarke's name in.

Medical room
Prestia's day finished early, but there doesn't appear to be huge concern. The midfielder removed his ice-pack from the affected area and completed run-throughs at half-time. Grundy spent a brief period of time off the field in the first term after a knock to his finger, courtesy of a Kamdyn McIntosh tackle, but returned in fine form. There'll be a few sore heads among the Tiger boys, with both Ivan Soldo and Noah Cumberland copping falcons.

Fantasy watch
Who said the ruck line was tricky? Max Gawn (RUC, $914,000) and Brodie Grundy (RUC, $830,000) set and forget again? The Demons duo dominated as Gawn (111 points) and Grundy (62) kicked three goals each, with the latter spending just 69 per cent of time on ground. The Dees mixed up their centre bounce options, but it didn't slow down Clayton Oliver (MID, $994,000) as the star midfielder finished with 100 points and Christian Petracca (MID, $908,000) ended up with 102. However, Angus Brayshaw (DEF, $878,000) struggled to get into the game early, but finished with 21 disposals for 76 points.

Tim Taranto (MID/FWD, $846,00) produced another strong outing with 121 points, while Dustin Martin (MID/FWD, $677,000) also looked solid, scoring 77. Jacob Hopper (MID, $716,000) had 23 disposals and 64 points.

Dee Kade Chandler (FWD, $200,000) is shaping as a rookie option after scoring 45 points against the Tigers. – Dejan Kalinic


https://www.afl.com.au/news/879354/dees-tall-duo-sets-up-big-win-another-injury-worry-for-star-tiger

[one-eyed]

KEY OBSERVATIONS FROM MELBOURNE’S SLICK WIN OVER RICHMOND

By Andrew Slevison
SEN
4 March 2023

Melbourne showed it plans to genuinely contend once again in 2023 with an impressive 50-point practice match win over Richmond at Casey Fields.

The Demons were dominant throughout, recording a 18.13 (121) to 10.11 (71) victory in the final pre-season hit-out before Round 1.

Simon Goodwin said he wanted his side to play in a fast, upbeat manner and that’s exactly what they did, particularly early. The Dees led by five goals at quarter-time and were never truly challenged thereafter, although the Tigers had their moments in the second half.

Melbourne’s aggressive ball movement was crisp, they used angles and were not as predictable as they were during the second half of last season. They appear a much quicker outfit in 2023 and their spread from midfield was so much slicker than Richmond’s.

Importantly, their team defence, led by Steven May, remains as solid as it’s been during their recent success.

Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy gave us a close look at what they could be capable of this year as a ruck-forward duo.

They kicked six goals between them - all in the first half - and combined for 27 disposals (Gawn 17, Grundy 10), 23 hit-outs (Gawn 12, Grundy 11) and 12 marks (Gawn 8, Grundy 4), six of which were contested.

There was a gaping hole deep in the Tigers’ defence left by the absence of Robbie Tarrant, with rookie draftee Tylar Young given another go after holding his own against North Melbourne last week.

However, Gawn and Grundy took complete advantage of the situation and dominated inside a Demons forward line without last year’s leading goalkicker Bayley Fritsch.

Most Tigers (not Baker) lacked intensity

Damien Hardwick’s Tigers lacked their usual intensity.

Richmond had enough of it going forward, only losing the inside 50 count 55-57, but were simply not as intense around the ball, nor were they as clean as their more imperious opponents.

The pressure in the contest simply wasn’t as fierce.

Liam Baker was certainly not in that bracket and was comfortably Richmond’s best player. His intensity was enormous, ending the day with a game-high 36 touches plus six score involvements, four inside 50s, four rebound 50s and a goal.

Tim Taranto (33 disposals, five clearances, one goal) was superb again and Jacob Hopper (23 disposals, nine clearances) was industrious.

Lynch returns, Ryan impresses late

After playing three quarters in the reserves, Samson Ryan came on for the final term to replace Tom Lynch, who was rested as he continues to build up his load following a plantar fasciitis issue.

Ryan impressed with six kicks, five marks (four contested) and 1.2 after Lynch had taken three contested marks and kicked 1.1 from 13 disposals in three quarters prior.

The youngster has bulked up and now looks much more comfortable at the top level.

Prestia injury worry

Richmond’s Dion Prestia, who has dealt with his fair share of soft tissue injuries in recent seasons, suffered a strained pectoral muscle in the second quarter and played no further part.

The Tigers will be sweating on his fitness for Round 1.

Next up

The Tigers open the 2023 season with their traditional meeting with Carlton at the ‘G on Thursday night, March 16.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/03/04/key-observations-from-melbournes-slick-win-over-richmond/

[one-eyed]

Team Stats:

Disposals:   346 - 375
Kicks:         190 - 228
Handballs:  156 - 147
Marks:         83 - 105
Clearances:  33 - 32
Inside 50s:   55 - 57
Tackles:        41 - 39
Hitouts:        37 - 24  .... ( Nank 24, Soldo 13 ; Gawn 12, Grundy 11, McDonald 1 )
Frees:          17 - 23

Individual possies:

Baker     36
Taranto   33
D.Rioli    26
Hopper   23
Vlastuin  20
Martin    16
Broad     16
Short     15
Dow       15
Clarke    14
Bolton    14
Balta      13
Lynch     13 .... ( subbed off at 3/4 time )
McIntosh 11
Cotchin   11
Nankervis 10
Young      9
Soldo       8
Cumberland 8
Grimes     7
Ryan       6 .... ( subbed on at 3/4 time )
M.Rioli     6
Green     6
Riewoldt  5
Prestia    5 .... ( taken off during 2nd qtr due to strained left pec )

https://www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/4995#player-stats

[georgies31]

Same issues as last season last practice games biggest concern teams in transition from defence to our forward line is like a walk in the park to easy we're in trouble if we don't rectify this and the lack of cohesion between midfield and forwards.Need to be cleaner with the footy skills need to lift.

[WilliamPowell]

It would appear that our team were a bit like me totally disinterested in this game. 

We were out today so missed the first qtr, got home in time for the 2nd, which I bothered to watch and along with part of the 3rd.  Have recorded it so may watch all of it later

But just a few observations from what I watched.

Tyler Young is not ready for AFL. Totally understand why he played today with Tarrant being injured we needed to see if can fill that spot. Based on today, I'd say no. Ben Miller has to play as key back if there's no Tarrant

Judson Clarke on the wing looks good but his disposal at times really let him down. Kid will be an elite kick in time.

Steely Dan...oops I mean Steely Green looked off the pace of AFL but good lessons for the kid

Can certainly tell Tommy Lynch has missed a lot of pre season work. His timing was out

Taranto was impressive and I was happy with Hopper's inside grunt work. To me it is clear he's taking on the Cotchin role

Finally, I don't see how we can play Nank and Soldo together. Just didn't work

[one-eyed]

"We played a really organised side and we'll go away from it with some great lessons."

🎙 Hear from assistant coach Andrew McQualter after today's match against Melbourne.

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/1278925/andrew-mcqualter-post-match

[one-eyed]

The Tiger's intercept possession game was not at its 2022 level today. Last year, Richmond averaged 12.9 more points per game from forward-50 intercepts than their opposition, ranked first in the league; today, however, they couldn't manage a single score from this source.

https://www.afl.com.au/afl/matches/4995

[the claw]

what to take out of that? Sheesh just a practice game but horrid none the less.

I'm asking are players like Cotchin, Martin, Riewoldt past it. Grimes looked ordinary as well. Was in stitches of laughter with McIntosh. There is a real ordinariness about this bloke and it is always just lurking under the surface.

How soft was Jayden Shorts game? Now there's one who going by best 22 teams was probably playing for a spot. Not after that.
Soldo a big unit   yet  so badly outplayed by his opponents and how unco is he still.

We totally lacked polish, skills were deplorable yet we cannot find a spot for Sonsie. There was  a total lack of accountability to an opponent, does anyone have the ability to play one v one?
Our tackling was non existent and mostly ineffective when we did.I wonder how many didnt lay a tackle or just one?

We are kidding ourselves if we think we don't need a third tall fwd or decent fwd/ruck.  JR  id say will have more down days than good ones.
That has been on the cards for a few seasons now.
We need more than just the one big target in the fwd line imo.

Dusty well early days, still the question begs is his best way behind him? Will he get back to somewhere close to his best? He is primarily a mid still imo. Trouble is everyone's expectation is our older blokes won't regress but what happens if they do?

Cotchin well simply put only time he did anything was when he went into the midfield. Same question here for him and JR have they continued to regress. Cotchin as a forward is laughable.

Balta well people always rave about him, but when it comes in and he's one on one there's a lot left to be desired on his one v one ability.

Tyler Young, I agree with others just is not at the level yet and may never be.

Come round one we will have a similar situation with what talls Carlton can throw at us in the forward half. Curnow, McKay, DeKoning and Silvagni who is 194cm. Food for thought there if Tarrant is not fit. Normal circumstances we would probably go Tarrant to  McKay. Grimes would get Silvagni, Balta would get Curnow and if we played Miller as a fwd/ruck then he could go to DeKoning when he went forward and maybe stretch them going the other way.

Yep as stated we will need more than just Hopper and Taranto we need younger blokes to step up if we are to genuinely contend imo but first you have to be brave enough to give em a decent go.

Yep just a practice game but a lot of things are still the same. Here's hoping that was an abberation and not reflective of the season to come.

[Hard Roar Tiger]

Demons are in exactly the same position as us with regard to a tune up for round 1 so I’d say their intent would have been the same as ours which is 50 points better.
I can’t imagine a world where we make that up just because we’ve started home and away in 2 weeks nor would i say the team would’ve expected that result.

It’s not panic stations but this has a huge stench of disaster written all over it.