Richmond vs W.Bulldogs @ the MCG --- Round 4, 2023

[one-eyed]

Report Card: Round 4

Ben Cotton, Ben Waterworth, Catherine Healey and Jono Baruch
Fox Sports
April 11th, 2023

RICHMOND

Outside of a 15-minute burst in the second quarter where they piled on seven goals in quick succession, the Tigers will be rueing poor kicking and poor execution as they went down by five points to the Western Bulldogs at a soggy MCG. Holding the lead heading into the final quarter, the Tigers were overwhelmed by the Bulldogs in the final quarter.

In the votes

Daniel Rioli (29 disposals), Tim Taranto (27) and Liam Baker (25) were all busy for the Tigers, while Dustin Martin was close to his brilliant best with 23 disposals (15 contested) along with one goal and an equal game-high 10 score involvements.

Room for improvement

The Tigers won more disposals (392-363) yet failed to convert their chances moving forward by foot. Albeit on a day where yardage and territory was the order of the day in inclement conditions, the Tigers would be after an improved showing from their two gun midfield recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper efficiency wise, (Taranto 63%, Hopper 67%). Injuries to spearhead Tom Lynch and Toby Nankervis, two of their least-replaceable players, mean this loss may be felt for weeks and months, not just days.

Grade

C+

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2023-round-4-report-card-highlights-grades-analysis-every-club-reviewed-best-and-worst-video-stats/news-story/d4cc56da1127f378e8fd3beb48262eec

[one-eyed]

OVERREACTIONS, POSITIVES, NEGATIVES & UNDROPPABLES FOR ALL 18 AFL TEAMS IN ROUND 4

BY SEN
11 April 2023



The Key Takeaway: Struggling to close out games

Another Richmond loss by a single figure margin.

That’s 11 games decided by six points or less that the Tigers have failed to win since 2021.

Their three draws (including one this season) and eight defeats is the equal longest winless run in games decided by six points or less in V/AFL history.

The Tigers just need to find ways to win the close ones.

The Overreaction: Season is over

The calls have already been made - Richmond’s season is over.

You could be right in making the case for that statement given they’ve won one of four and now have a growing list of injured key players.

However, the Tigers have been in this position before and rallied. Even with vital players out they’ve picked up points along the way before resetting for the business end.

So it might be a bit early to say they’re in trouble or their season is over.

There are some issues, but Damien Hardwick and co. have been through this before.

The Positive: 2nd quarter

Richmond’s second quarter was simply irresistible. It was some of the best footy we have seen so far in 2023.

The Tigers kicked eight goals from 20 inside 50s to roar back into the contest after a tardy beginning.

But you rarely win games of footy when you kick 60% of your score in one quarter.

The Negative: Lynch and Nankervis injuries

The Tigers will be without key pillars Tom Lynch and Toby Nankervis for some time.

Lynch’s fractured foot and Nankervis’ syndesmosis will deprive the team of two of its most important players

Can veteran Jack Riewoldt step up to fill the Lynch void? And what does Hardwick do in the ruck given Ivan Soldo is also injured?

The report against Lynch should also be mentioned. Lynch’s high contact with Alex Keath highlights where the game is at right now that this action is even being considered for suspension, let alone sent to the Tribunal.

It’s unfortunate, but it’s the way the AFL wants to handle any head high contact, accidental or not, that results in concussion.

What they need to tweak for next week: Kick to handball ratio

The Tigers overused the ball in three of the four quarters on Saturday night.

On a wet and greasy evening, they ended just +44 with their kick to handball ratio. In comparison, the Dogs (who had 16 more inside 50s for the game) were +114.

When the Tigers were up and running in the goal-laden second term, they kicked it 66 times, 11 more than any other quarter. In that quarter, their kick to handball differential was +21 which led to their 20 inside 50s, which resulted in their eight goals.

In the remaining three quarters, the kick to handball ratio differential tallied +23, proving they were handball happy on a wet night which certainly had a detrimental effect.

Get back to kicking against the Swans this Friday night and it should give them a better chance at scoring.

https://www.sen.com.au/news/2023/04/11/overreactions-positives-negatives-and-undroppables-round4/