Krakouer ignites Tigers in mud
22 July 2007 Sunday Herald Sun
Howard Leigh
EMBATTLED Richmond coach Terry Wallace has something to cheer about with the sparkling form of list players Andrew Krakouer, Patrick Bowden, Richard Tambling and Cleve Hughes for the Coburg Tigers in yesterday's VFL match against the Box Hill Hawks.
Krakouer, 24, who hasn't cemented a regular spot at Richmond in seven seasons, ploughed through the quagmire at the Coburg City Oval to finish with 38 disposals (23 kicks, 15 handballs).
He was the playmaker in Coburg's 38-point victory.
Bowden, who has missed most of the season with a hip injury, had 26 disposals, took 10 marks and booted four goals in Coburg's 15.11 (101) to 10.3 (63) victory.
Coburg coach Andy Collins used Bowden in defence early before moving him forward where he was picked up by Hawk defender Danny Jacobs.
"Patrick has missed a lot of footy and is getting better and better," Collins said.
"He could force his way into the Richmond side in the next few weeks."
Tambling, working through the midfield and across the half-forward line, had 22 touches.
Collins praised Hughes who took 10 marks at centre half-forward.
"I thought Cleve was terrific and his marking was very strong," he said.
Richmond and former Geelong forward Kent Kingsley didn't line up because of a quad injury.
Hawthorn captain Richie Vandenberg had 24 possessions in the midfield for Box Hill as he continues to press for a return to AFL football after a serious shoulder injury.
Box Hill coach Damien Christensen said: "Richie gave us grunt in the middle, particularly in the first half."
Jacobs took 12 marks and had 19 disposals, but had his hands full when Bowden moved forward.
Hawthorn youngsters Josh Kennedy and Travis Tuck impressed and Beau Dowler kicked three goals.
"We were level at half-time, but missed a couple of crucial shots early in the third quarter," Christensen said.
"We missed targets and there was a lack of experience."
Hawthorn defender Zac Dawson was reported in the third quarter for an incident involving Coburg's Joe Gazzo.
Christensen was upset by the surface of the ground.
"It was in shocking condition, it was a real mud heap," he said.
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