Very good all-round performance from the Burger boys. The Pies gave us a contest early but the boys were just too good. For anyone who missed the game, this is my take on the Richmond boys
JON - Very, very impressive game IMO, bag him all you like but this kid was super impressive. His kicking skills and vision were absolute highlights. Bar 2-3 kicks, every kick hit its target like a bullet. One kick especially in the 1st qtr I think where he was streaming off half-back and kicked a beauty to the leading Polak. Looked a lot quicker with his decision making as well.
Cotchin - Not a huge statistic game but everything he does is special and pure class. His hands were incredibly clean, and where the reason for a few of his clearances in the first half. Second half showed his outside game. Not a jet but still very quick and a hard runner. Hick kicking skills were in a class of its own today. Essentially everything hit its target. 2 best passages of play in the 2nd half where when he swooped in and cleanly picked up a ball near the boundary line and swiftly passed it to Silvestor. And another was when he snared a clearance and fired a handball to a running Little who didn't have to break stride.
Cartledge - This bloke is very impressive at VFL level. His tap-work gives the mids the best opportunity to snare the pill and get clearances. Hard worker who doesn't mind getting in and doing the hard stuff, Ben Hudsonish.
Graham - The more I see him the more I like him. His skills are very good for a big man, and he has good awareness and as a result makes good decisions.
Tivendale - Was easily BOG, played like an arrogant prick but was clearly the best. Hard running, some laser left foot passes and some good defensive work
Pettifer - Ummm, what to say. Commentators seemed impressed but for me a bit of a nothing game. Nice goal he set up for Nat Caruso in the 3rd but other than that didn't seem to impress me. Hard to believe he got 25 touches.
Bowden - Classy game. 3 goals 5 IIRC. Clearly too good for VFL
Hughes - After first qtr barely noticed him, injured? Noticed him wearing the tracksuit at the end
Polak - Impressive lead up forward game. Very strong hands and worked hard.
Cogs - Brilliant to see him back. Clearly needs to build up his fitness as he went in and out of the game. But at stoppages showed he hasn't lost any of his in close brilliance. Loved his hardness at the ball, and in the 2nd qtr dished off a ripper handball to setup a goal. Much prefer him in the side than Tuck, but needs to build fitness
Connors - Impressive in patches but lack of preseason clearly showing. Love how he plays with a touch of arrogance and looked at home when he played in the middle in the 2nd half
Rance - Didn't really notice him to be honest. No Comment
Silvestor - Solid game down back.
Apologies but I think I have missed 2 players but can't think of who
