VFL R16: Richmond vs Southport @ Frankston Oval, Sat. July 12

[Tiger Khosh]

How many qtrs did Gibbo get through?

[one-eyed]

Tigers overpowered by Sharks

By Connor Burns
RFC website
12 July 2025

Despite a brilliant first quarter, Richmond's VFL side was unable to hold on, as Southport powered its way to a 28-point victory on Saturday afternoon.

Richmond produced a scintillating first term, headlined by the returning Nicholas Girolami, who kicked two early goals.

It was some of the best footy the Tigers had put together all year, as they put Southport to the sword early despite having nine team changes from last week’s great win against Geelong.

The fast start helped Richmond to a 20-point quarter time lead.

After the break Southport showed its class, with early goals to Wylie Buzza and Max Pescud, before Campbell Lake kicked back-to-back goals to cut the margin to single figures.

The Sharks started to dominate clearances and time in forward half, cutting the Tigers' lead back to just six points at the half, with both teams looking up for the fight.

Southport continued to claw its way back after the main break, hitting the lead for the first time courtesy of a Jackson Edwards goal from a 50-metre penalty.

They proceeded to kick the next four goals to extend their margin once hitting the lead, before Girolami gave the Tigers hope with a goal on the three-quarter time siren – his third of the match.

That cut the margin back to 20 points, and with an eerily similar three quarter time score to last week's game, anything was possible for Richmond in the final term.

Harry Scott and Steely Green kicked early final quarter goals to give the Tigers hope of another come-from-behind victory, but the Sharks withstood the pressure to run out 28-point winners, 15.15 (105) to 12.5 (77).

Scott produced another brilliant performance for the Tigers, recording 26 disposals and a goal, while Girolami made a positive return to the side with three goals. Green kicked three goals, while Jacob Blight and Mutaz El Nour both had 23 disposals, with El Nour adding 14 intercepts and Blight 10.

For the Sharks, Jacob Dawson was a class above, finishing the game with a whopping 45 disposals and 15 clearances.

The Tigers will now have the bye before doing battle with Werribee at Avalon Airport Oval on the 26th of July.

Richmond   6.0   8.1     9.3      12.5   (77)
Southport   2.4   6.7   11.11   15.15   (105)

Goals: Girolami 3, Green 3, Pollocks 2, Toner, Street, Scott, Hanson

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1828094/tigers-overpowered-by-sharks

[one-eyed]

Smith's issue is his decision making. Never seen a player who is so indecisive and second guesses himself.

Ross?

Smith looks technically more natural in his disposal action IMO, so he should be a better disposer of the footy especially by foot than Ross who is average. Smith is also an outside flanker unlike Ross, so he's not under physical pressure when he kicks. Smith's problem is pretty much all down to his decision making unlike Ross who has skill flaws.

[one-eyed]

How many qtrs did Gibbo get through?

Two and a bit from what I noticed TK. Played the whole first half but he didn't have a disposal after half time, and Gibbo wasn't out there for the whole last quarter.

[Tiger Khosh]

How many qtrs did Gibbo get through?

Two and a bit from what I noticed TK. Played the whole first half but he didn't have a disposal after half time, and Gibbo wasn't out there for the whole last quarter.

So still a few VFL games away from being considered at AFL you’d think.

[mightytiges]

How many qtrs did Gibbo get through?

Two and a bit from what I noticed TK. Played the whole first half but he didn't have a disposal after half time, and Gibbo wasn't out there for the whole last quarter.

So still a few VFL games away from being considered at AFL you’d think.

Yep, he's still a fair way off AFL for mine. Main thing for now is to get him and his body through a full game(s) at VFL level.

[one-eyed]

Player by player VFL report: Round 16

Here’s how coach Jake Batchelor assessed the performance of each player.

Jacob Blight (25 disposals, 16 marks, 11 intercept possessions)
“Strong aerial presence for majority of the day, he took some great intercept marks. There were a couple of decisions to spoil versus mark that he can tighten up, but I thought he prioritised defence really well.”

Kaleb Smith (22 disposals, three marks, one clearance)
“He’s working on some in tight hands, stepping through tackles and driving away from the pressure. We saw that in spades on the weekend, there’s some stoppage positioning in defence and best position compliance to work through still.”

Noah Balta (18 disposals, eight intercept possessions, six marks)
“I really enjoyed his game, there are a couple of aerial moments that he would’ve liked his time again. However for the most part he was marshalling his troops and I think he made some strong decisions for us defensively.”

Oliver Hayes-Brown (17 disposals, 33 hit-outs, 10 clearances)
“Great battle against Crossley, he’s the premier ruck in the comp and I thought he held his own very proudly in the contest. His follow-up and his ability to get on the spilled ball, drive his legs and use his long limbs to get it out to teammates was really pleasing.”

Steely Green (12 disposals, six tackles, three goals)
“His attitude was great once again, his desperation and intent to finish with six tackles as a small forward was elite. I think it gave the rest of his teammates a spark.”

Josh Gibcus (seven disposals, four intercept possessions, two marks)
“Great to see him get through another game, his reaction time and his foot work is really good. I’m looking forward to him progressing his minutes in the next couple of weeks.”

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1831349/player-by-player-vfl-report-round-16