There's a rainbow in sight above Punt Rd
Herald-Sun | Mike Sheahan | April 28, 2008
DON'T be deceived by the scoreline at the MCG last night.
Thirty-six scoring shots to 19 suggests a lop-sided affair, yet the game itself told a much different tale.
While Hawthorn got home by 12 points, Richmond took a huge step forward.
It is nonsense to say there's no honour in defeat.
A team given up for dead three weeks ago is up and running. On the rise.
The future looks brighter than it has since the first half of 2005, when the Tigers won seven of the first nine and drew another before Nathan Brown was cut down.
Sixteen minutes into the last quarter last night, Hawthorn led by just five points.
They were steady under pressure and survived the challenge to remain unbeaten after six rounds, yet it was a gripping encounter.
The Tigers were in front five minutes before three-quarter-time, creating the distinct possibility of a boilover.
They persisted and refused to roll over until the final siren. It was yet another step towards credibility and respect.
A scoreline of 14.22 to 15.4 suggests a superiority everywhere other than the scoreboard, but that's not so.
Richmond finished in front for disposals, marks were virtually lineball and the Tigers won the contested possessions, the coaches' favourite indicator.
Yes, it needs to be noted Lance Franklin and Mark Williams kicked 3.10 between them, but both were held to 12 disposals.
As happens with good teams, with Franklin struggling, Jarryd Roughead took up the slack, booting 5.3.
It was just the workout Alastair Clarkson would have wanted with Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday.
The Maggies returned to form on Anzac Day, dismantling Essendon, although Essendon looks headed for a long and disappointing season after an encouraging start.
Richmond faces St Kilda next Saturday night and will go in with plenty of confidence.
What was most impressive about the Tigers was their thirst for the task, their eagerness to run and share the ball, the leadership of Matthew Richardson and Nathan Brown, the output of Brett Deledio, Richard Tambling, Jake King and Jordan McMahon, and the obvious promise of much to come from Will Thursfield, Mitch Morton and Jack Riewoldt.
All of a sudden, there is a rainbow in sight.
There have been false dawns at Punt Road many times in recent years, yet you can't help but think it might be real this time.
The Tigers have been different since the second half of the Collingwood game, when they lifted their work-rate and started to deliver what Terry Wallace and his assistants wanted.
The past three rounds have delivered a win against Fremantle in Perth, an unlucky draw with the Western Bulldogs and a brave 12-point loss to Hawthorn.
That's progress.
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