VFL R6: Richmond vs Gold Coast @ Punt Rd, Sun. April 30

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VFL Tigers fall to Suns

It was a tough day for Richmond's VFL side as Gold Coast’s undefeated streak remained intact with a 73-point win at Punt Road Oval on Sunday.

By Brenton Mann
Richmond Media
30 April 2023

Sunday April 30 was a day of firsts, with the inaugural meeting between Richmond and Gold Coast at VFL level, and the Tigers unveiling yet another debutant with Nathan Philactides donning the Black sash for the first time.

The day was tough for the Tigers though, as their opponents controlled the game for the majority, saluting by 73 points.

Gold Coast’s undefeated streak remained intact, with the final score reading 9.10 (64) to 21.11 (137).

It was apt that Punt Road Oval was bathed in Autumn sunshine as a warm welcome for the travelling Suns.

Gold Coast’s AFL games experience outweighed Richmond’s by ten-to-one, as the Suns fielded 22 senior-listed players versus seven for the Tigers.

The Suns’ aerial prowess was evident from the opening bounce, as Mac Andrew and Sam Day proved early thorns at either end of the ground.

Richmond’s midfield started well, led by energetic onballer Thomson Dow and Sam Banks on the Swinburne Centre wing.

Gold Coast slotted the first two goals before Rhyan Mansell was rewarded a free-kick inside 50 and slotted Richmond’s opening goal.

The Tigers then briefly snatched the lead as Garrett McDonagh nearly speared the ball through the chest of Harrison White who clung on and kicked truly.

The Suns then rattled off the next five goals on the bounce.

Brad Melville’s unflinching courage and sure right boot gave the Tigers something to cheer about, as the vice-captain kicked a goal against the tide.

Richmond hung tough and trailed by 22 points at quarter-time.

The Suns swiftly slammed on three goals to start the second quarter, sprinting to a 40-point lead.

The game then turned to suit Richmond, as Yellow and Black chaos swept across Punt Road Oval.

Bigoa Nyuon was the fire starter, as he bound through the centre square and sent the Sherrin sailing through from beyond the arc.

A classic Richmond goal then followed, with the ball surging forward where Angus Hicks spotted up Steely Green on a well-timed lead.

Richmond’s trademark of selflessness was on display, as Green squared the ball to Mansell in the corridor.

The Tigers’ No. 31 pumped his fist as the goal umpire arched their back.

Unfortunately for Richmond, the Suns ended the quarter with dual majors, pushing the margin out to 48 points

The youthful Tigers could have been forgiven for dropping their heads after a clinical first half by Gold Coast, but Steve Morris wouldn’t have it.

Morris’ rousing and positive half-time address inspired his men to win the third term.

Hugo Ralphsmith provided the spark, burning a track down the wing and slotting two classy majors for the quarter.

Ralphsmith’s first was a reflex snap from congestion and his second a booming right-foot drop punt from outside 50.

Mansell helped himself to his third goal, further underlying his evolving versatility.

The Tigers played with dash and dare, which was not always perfect, but they never shied away from taking the game on.

The Suns were smarting in the final term, constricting the Tigers’ ball movement which led to a goalless quarter from the hosts, whilst the visitors were able to slot four.

The result didn’t go Richmond's way, but the Tigers will attack the next phase of the season following next weekend's Round 7 bye.

RICH   3.2       5.5       9.8       9.10 (64)

SUNS  7.0       13.5     17.7     21.11 (137)

Goal Kickers:

Richmond: Mansell (3), Ralphsmith (2), White, Nyuon, Nathan, Melville.

Best Players: Dow, Mansell, Ralphsmith, Banks, Olden, Street.

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1320073/vfl-tigers-fall-to-suns

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Full individual stats:

Dow              28 disposals (12k, 16h), 3 marks, 3 tackles, 11 clearances, 5 inside 50s,     -     ,     -     , 1 behind.
Banks           23 disposals (14k,   9h), 7 marks, 2 tackles,   1 clearance  , 5 inside 50s.
Ralphsmith    21 disposals (12k,   9h), 2 marks,      -      ,           -         , 7 inside 50s,      -      , 2 goals.
Bauer            15 disposals (12k,  3h), 2 marks,      -       ,          -         ,       -           .
Green            11 disposals ( 7k,   4h), 4 marks, 5 tackles,  2 clearances, 2 inside 50s.
Mansell          10 disposals ( 6k,   4h), 2 marks, 5 tackles,  1 clearance ,       -         .
Nyuon             7 disposals ( 6k,   1h), 3 marks, 2 tackles, 2 clearances, 3 inside 50s, 22 hitouts, 1 goal.

https://www.afl.com.au/vfl/matches/5147#player-stats

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VFL Report: Round 6

Richmond VFL coach Steve Morris provides a summary of how the Tigers’ players performed in Sunday's match against Gold Coast at the Swinburne Centre.


Thomson Dow (28 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 clearances, five inside-50s)

"Was absolutely outstanding on the weekend, leading the way with 11 clearances. He was a big reason as to why we were able to win the clearance battle despite being beaten in hit-outs."


Sam Banks (23 disposals, seven marks, five inside-50s)

"Continues to progress really nicely. His work-rate on a wing really does stand out, and a couple of his chases to put pressure on resulted in turnovers which we were able to score off. He's in great form and it's been a really promising start to the season for Sam."


Hugo Ralphsmith (21 disposals, seven inside-50s, two goals)

"I thought his offensive game was outstanding and we would like to see his starting points improve slightly on defence, but he certainly wants to get involved in our attack and he kicked two of the better goals you'll see. He had some really important contests for us."


Jacob Bauer (15 disposals, nine rebound-50s, two marks)

"Defensively, I thought he did a really good job. We've been coaching him pretty hard in this space and he's made some really good adjustments over the last couple of weeks. He can hold his head high with some great contest work down there."


Steely Green (11 disposals, five tackles, four marks)

"Was okay without being a standout. We threw him into the middle of the ground at different stages to give us a bit of a spark and he definitely gives us that around the footy. His contest work is really strong, he probably just didn't have the influence on the game that we would like him to have."


Rhyan Mansell (10 disposals, five tackles, three goals)

"Had a really good game with five tackles, 10 disposals and three goals in three quarters of footy. He probably could have kicked a couple more if we had have finished our work a little better up the field, but it really pleasing to see him come back and have such an influence."


Bigoa Nyuon (seven disposals, three marks, one goal)

"It was his first game back for a few weeks and he was probably a little bit rusty. But, we all saw what raw talent he has with a beautiful spread from stoppage and long-range goal from outside-50."

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1321122/

[Damo]

Reading that, you would think we won by 15 goals, as opposed to getting beat by 10

[Lozza]

Reading that, you would think we won by 15 goals, as opposed to getting beat by 10

The emphasis on the number of tackles in these reports tells me that they measure by these stat's their suitability of taking a spot in the firsts. What i would like to see them focus on is how effective the tackles were and also their disposal efficiency. These are areas we are struggling with in the AFL and it's players who can excel in these areas that need to be played as soon as possible.