Tigers start to reap rewards
Mike Sheahan | July 28, 2008 12:00am
THEY have been the two constants at Punt Rd for more than 10 years.
Teammates since 1996. They have shed blood, sweat and tears for the black and yellow family with precious little reward. Unlike their fathers, who enjoyed premiership success.
Now, in the twilight of their long, patient journey, they have sighted the promised land.
Matthew Richardson and Joel Bowden were heroes of Richmond's uplifting win over the Brisbane Lions at Telstra Dome on Saturday night.
Seven goals between them for the match, six of them in the last quarter, with Richo having a hand in another.
Good on them.
Richo finished 2007 dispirited and frustrated, Bowden actually looked finished just a few weeks ago when he had a stretch in the VFL with Coburg.
Since his return to the senior team, he has saved games against Port Adelaide and Essendon, and kicked the winning goal against the Lions.
All of a sudden, Richmond is a finals contender, with eight wins and a draw, and a full head of steam.
As exciting as Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley, Matthew White, Richard Tambling and, of course, Trent Cotchin, are, it was the old heads who prevailed Saturday night.
Bowden, Richardson, Kane Johnson, Nathan Brown, Troy Simmonds and Shane Tuck.
Actually, it's the mix. The youngsters have provided the pace and energy, the oldies have responded with renewed enthusiasm and hope.
It was an enthralling contest: 34 goals and high drama from start to finish.
Mercifully, it was on television at the same time as Sydney and Adelaide embarrassed the game in Sydney.
Yes, Adelaide got what it needed, which was a win after five losses, but the game generated just 17 goals and even fewer highlights.
There is much to like about Richmond. A splash of flair, a sense of daring and composure under pressure, all rarely seen in recent years.
The Tigers just haven't kicked scores of 18 goals against quality opposition and certainly haven't made a habit of coming home with an eight-goal last quarter.
With Richo kicking with the unerring accuracy of Michael Roach in his prime.
The Tiges will find out just how much they have improved when they confront Geelong on Saturday night, but the one thing we know already is they are much better and not out of place in final eight discussions.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/sport/afl/story/0,26576,24086818-19742,00.html
