Richmond’s dynasty is ‘done’ after the ‘trap door opened’ in loss to SaintsCatherine Healey
Fox Sports
April 4th, 2022 Richmond’s dynasty is “done” with their contested ball and clearance game “not good enough” to match it with the best teams, Leigh Montagna has warned.
The Tigers were overrun by the Saints, who kicked 10 of the last 11 goals of the game, on Sunday, sinking to 1-2 to start 2022.
Speaking on First Crack, Montagna was critical of Richmond’s inability to address the issues that plagued the side in 2021.
“I think the dynasty is done,” he said.
“I’ve wanted to give Richmond a chance, I thought they could bounce back but after seeing them now for three weeks, the same problems appear to be there that were issues last year.
“Their contested ball and clearance game is not good enough.
“It’s been an issue for a number of years, the difference is they don’t defend anywhere near what they used to.”
Montagna said the Tigers’ stars were ageing and the club was struggling to put together a four-quarter effort.
“In the premiership era, they were in the top one or two in defending the ball when the ball went inside their defensive 50. Now they’re 15th in the competition.
“Their top end talent are not producing to the levels we’re used to.
“That’s natural as you get older, when you’re over 30 it gets harder.
“I think we’re starting to see some players come off from their very best.
“They just can’t go with the good sides for four quarters anymore.”
Richmond were 20 points clear of Carlton in the final term in Round 1 before being overrun; they were up by 25 in the third term against St Kilda and went on to lose by 33 points.
“I don’t think they are a top four team anymore. That’s ok, they’ve had a great run,” Montagna said.
“They might sneak into finals but I don’t think they are a threat anymore.
“For them finishing sixth, seventh, eight is not what Richmond are after.”
Fox Footy’s David King warned Dustin Martin could be the “wildcard” for Richmond - but there has been no indication of when he would return from personal leave.
“When they were in that premiership window, they were elite defensively. Now they are not elite. They just can’t hold up like they used to,” Montagna lamented.
Richmond remain ranked 18th in the competition for putting teams under pressure after three rounds.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/richmonds-dynasty-is-done-after-the-trap-door-opened-in-loss-to-saints/news-story/9b8d3276f5e3119d3ca6628663a4ae20
