What they got rightImmense pressureRichmond’s pressure rating had been down in previous weeks.
That all changed on Sunday when they hit top gear in that regard, constantly forcing Sydney into making uncharacteristic mistakes.
Executing chase-down tackles, being hard to play against around the stoppage and consistent corralling in tight situations made life tough for the Swans.
It was comfortably the Tigers’ best pressure rating so far this year, particularly after half-time.
What was a focal point during the week set the scene from the first bounce and continued until the very end, serving as the hallmark for the club’s first win under Adem Yze.
Composure in big moments from inexperienced TigersThe young group could have been forgiven for faltering in the big moments against a formidable outfit.
However, they did just the opposite and were able to remain composed.
Maurice Rioli Jnr recovered from a few down moments to bring himself into the contest late with some top-quality composure.
The likes of Rhyan Mansell, Mykelti Lefau and Seth Campbell up forward, Thomson Dow in the middle, and Tom Brown and Ben Miller down back all stood up when asked and helped contribute greatly to the win.
The experienced Tom Lynch (knee injury) and Liam Baker found themselves on the bench late but the less experienced Tigers got the job done in the clinches.
The quelling of GuldenErrol Gulden still had 25 disposals but he went at just 60 per cent efficiency, which is well below his season and career average.
The Tigers made a point of getting at Gulden whenever he had the ball in his hands and they were often able to upset his customary pinpoint delivery.
While he did find targets at times, his overall influence was quelled by the constant pressure which underpinned their victory.
Defence set up around VlastuinThe Tigers were able to again make Nick Vlastuin the central point of their defence.
Vlastuin finished with a game-high 15 intercept possessions (Daniel Rioli was next with 12), a game-high 13 marks and 29 disposals (one off his career best) in a superb defensive display.
He’s been close before, but Vlastuin is now well on his way to a maiden All-Australian blazer in 2024.
What they got wrongFundamental skillsThe Tigers were good value for a half-time lead but just let themselves down with some fundamental errors.
Simple dropped marks, missed handballs and poorly executed kicks under seemingly no pressure were flittered through the victory.
The second half was not immune to costly errors either.
Those fundamental shortcomings would not impact the result in the end but it denied the Tigers scores and allowed the Swans to counter the other way.
Tidy those up and Yze will be a much happier man.
Conceded six goals on the trotJust as the Tigers were getting on top, they allowed the Swans right back in it.
From the sixth-minute mark of the second quarter to the second-minute mark of the third, Richmond’s opponents booted six straight goals to gain ascendency.
It was the fourth time this season that Yze’s side conceded four or more goals in a run (which included 11 against the Suns in Opening Round). Thankfully they returned serve with five of their own in a 15-minute patch against the Swans.
Other than those lapses they’ve been largely competitive so it should be a key point to focus on.
- Andrew Slevisonhttps://www.sen.com.au/news/2024/04/02/what-they-got-right-and-wrong-each-clubs-wins-and-woes-from-round-3/
