Every AFL club’s Round 1 graded * March 23, 2020
* by Fox SportsRICHMONDA five-goal blitz to open the game was more than enough for the Tigers to make it 13 consecutive victories, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Damien Hardwick’s side. The premiers were 50 points up at one stage before collapsing and being seriously threatened by a Carlton side with very few forwards worth naming. When Nick Vlastuin was forced out of the game with a feared concussion, things didn’t look great in defence, and if it wasn’t for some brilliant bursts of play across the second and third quarters, this could’ve been a boilover. Yes, they still won by four goals, but this should’ve been bigger.
IN THE VOTESThe still-underrated Dion Prestia finished with a team-high 25 disposals while the ever-present Dustin Martin had 24, and both men kicked a goal. But it was the crafty forwards who were the difference on Thursday night, turning minimal chances into maximum scoreboard impact. Jack Riewoldt, Jason Castagna, Daniel Rioli and Shai Bolton all finished with three goals.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENTAs mentioned, the defence struggled once Nick Vlastuin went down, and they had no answers for Jack Martin in his four-goal third quarter. Tom Lynch was very quiet with just the one behind to his name, clearly losing his battle with Jacob Weitering.
GRADEB
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