OVERREACTIONS, POSITIVES, NEGATIVES & UNDROPPABLES FOR ROUND 11Andrew Slevison
SEN
29 May 2023The Key Takeaway: Tigers not far off, just lacking classRichmond made life difficult for an in-form Port Adelaide for most of Sunday afternoon.
In Andrew McQualter’s first game as interim coach, the Tigers were competitive aside from a period in the first quarter where the Power kicked five goals in a row.
The club’s ladder position of 15th doesn’t read very well, but the Tigers have been competitive in almost every game this season.
The effort and intent is there for the most part, they’re just lacking a bit of class, particularly forward of centre.
The Positive: Tim TarantoTake a bow, Tim Taranto.
He was far and away Richmond’s best player against Port.
Taranto finished with 33 disposals and seven clearances, which were both game-highs, plus seven tackles and an equal career-best four goals.
The former Giants would most likely be well clear in the best and fairest count at this stage of the campaign.
The Negative: Forward setupThe forward line setup is not really working at the moment.
The Tigers are crying out for Tom Lynch to return, but in the meantime, McQualter needs to find a way to improve the connection between the midfield group and the forwards.
Veteran Jack Riewoldt is having to play on the best defender each week and is looking a bit sore. He’s doing his best to provide a contest, but isn’t getting much assistance from the ball use going forward.
Dustin Martin was dangerous at times, however, he kicked 2.3 when he probably should have kicked four or five.
The Tigers have produced the sixth most inside 50s this season, yet they have kicked the fifth least points for the campaign.
Maybe it is time to unleash Kaelan Bradtke or Jacob Bauer up forward, or just leave Noah Cumberland in the team.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/05/29/overreactions-positives-negatives-and-undroppables-for-all-18-afl-teams-in-11/