One,or many, will have to excuse me for not bringing a pen to mark down vital stats when travelling 2 hours to watch my beloved Tigers with the family and one mad Sydney supporter at Narrandera this Friday just gone.
If there is statistical errors please forgive me as i begin my match report.
About 8200 people turned up to watch the Tigers play the Swans at what must be said is a fantastic facility for a small town to host an AFL game.
Richmond goaled first first through Richo from about 50 out on the boundary and he displayed emotion rarely seen at Praccy matches and the crowd then knew the Tigers were there for real. Brett Deledio snapped soon after as did Cleve and Tigers were on their way against against what must be said was a lethargic looking Swans.
Barry Hall looked dangerous early as did O`Loughlin but only turnovers(would you believe?) resulted in early Sydney goals as the Tiges were caught running forward.
Kelvin Moore looked a complete mismatch on Hall but after 4 first half goals Hall was rarely seen.O`Loughlin likewise as Thursfield blanketed him after 1/4 time.Polak started up forward but soon went down back when the swans forwards looked about ready to take over.
Deledio was largely ineffectual up forward early and gained alot of possies when he went onto the ball. Jake King was great was great off half back as was Chris Newman setting up many forward thrusts but turnovers continued to haunt us.
Patto was winning most center taps but we largely failed to capitilise, however the Tigers were hungry at the ball and tackled in numbers and, well, Richo was just Richo. Missing easy ones but mainly kicking goals from crumbing than marks such was our forward delivery.
After a quiet first 1/4 Tambo found plenty of the ball as did Pettifer.
After a 17 point 1/2 time lead the Tigers kicked the first after the break but then Sydney kicked 3 in a row leaving me to think the same old would occur.
Then the Richo Man came out at great gusto and slammed open a pack at a marking contest and totally cleaning up the Sarge. Result? Probably a few broken ribs and a few sighs of relief as most at the ground thought it was Browny.(Sorry Sarge, but after the broken leg Browny gains sypathy from the pope to Osama).
Jordan McMahon played well after coming on just after 1/4 time and Matty White was again exciting due mainly to his blistering pace. He managed to somehow sneak a goal in the 3rd after taking on about 6 Swans too many and shanking a goal with a kick that eluded many, even Tiger players.
The Tigers always looked to have the game under control and appeared to be quicker, hungrier and more interested in a win than a hit out. Without Joel Bowden we looked vulnerable down back but pressure from up the field kept the backmen in it.
The last 1/4 was kept to an even 20 mins, but the game always belonged to the Tigers. If not for turnovers and a notable size differance the Tiges may have won by more but they(and us) will take a 17-10 to a 13-11 victory any day against anyone.
Goals: Richo,6 Deledio 3? Cleve,Tucky,Petts and others? sorry
My Best: Kingy, Richo, Tambo, Patto, Newman, Deledio and Collins(only joking)