Tigers overpowered by SharksBy Connor Burns
RFC website
12 July 2025Despite 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