Richmond vs Geelong @ the MCG --- Round 9, 2023

[Tiger Khosh]

Nice to see broadly recognised. Sensational game by him.

[one-eyed]

OVERREACTIONS, POSITIVES, NEGATIVES & UNDROPPABLES FOR ALL 18 AFL TEAMS IN ROUND 9

Andrew Slevison
SEN
16 May 2023



The Key Takeaway: The return of pressure, chaos and manic movement

Richmond’s famous game style looked to be back against Geelong on Friday night.

The blend of pressure, manic ball movement and chaotic attack, which was in vogue during their recent premiership years, seems to have returned.

It looked like a Richmond game and that’s exactly what Damien Hardwick would have wanted.

Of course, it wasn’t a dominant performance as the Cats had their chances, but it did look much better than in previous weeks.

Could that again be the blueprint going forward?

The Overreaction: The Tigers are back

There has been a little bit of a media overreaction from some key voices saying the ‘Tigers are back’.

While it was a good win and one the club badly needed, let’s not overstate it too much.

A few more wins over the likes of Essendon, Port Adelaide and GWS might suggest they’re back. But until then, the Tigers are still sitting 13th with a 3-5-1 record.

Footy can change quickly, especially over the course of a week, so best to be prudent with your reactions.

Nevertheless, it was a win which could potentially spark the season.

The Positive: Played the greatest hits

Richmond’s veterans played all the greatest hits.

It was nice to see the likes of Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt combine for nine of the side’s 16 goals against a quality opponent.

Martin (19 disposals, nine marks, four goals) was sharp and kicked big goals at crucial moments, Cotchin (12 touches three goals) was clever in attack and Riewoldt (12 touches, two goals) was serviceable.

While the Tigers don’t want to be constantly relying on their 30-pluses, it always helps when they stand up and perform in big games.

What no one is talking about: Broad’s importance

Nathan Broad’s job on Coleman leader Jeremy Cameron was so crucial to the win.

He kept him to just one goal and one mark inside 50, forcing Cameron to roam up the ground for his kicks.

Yes, Cameron did have 21 touches and took nine marks, but he was largely non-existent as an attacking threat.

Broad himself had 19 disposals, 11 intercept possessions, seven marks and six rebound 50s.

The backline has looked much sturdier since his return from suspension a few weeks ago.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/05/15/overreactions-positives-negatives-and-undroppables-for-all-18-afl-teams9/

[one-eyed]

1. Is Richmond’s winning brand sustainable?

“I think the performance was admirable and they dug deep to produce it and they got themselves up for a big Friday night game, it was a trademark performance, the pressure was back…” Cornes began.

“I just don’t know if it’s sustainable. Clearly, Geelong’s injuries were a factor, not saying Richmond doesn’t have a couple of key players out but they always seem to.

“Nine out of their best 22, the Cats. They kicked 2.7 in the first quarter, they dominated contested ball and I think Richmond lose that game eight out of 10 times.

“You’re never going to get three goals from (Trent) Cotchin again, for the rest of his career.”

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/05/16/kane-cornes-seven-observations-from-round-9-of-the-2023-afl-season/