Brett Deledio

Resurgent Tigers Overcome Demons

janetl — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:48:34 -0500

Brook Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA from Australia

A Round 23 clash between two struggling clubs would normally not attract a lot of attention but this round had a high level of importance for both Richmond and Melbourne. The Tigers had seemingly lost their way after an exciting start to the season but, coming off a thumping 47 point win against perennial finalist Sydney, they appeared to have their mojo back. If they could pull off a win against Melbourne – a feat they had not managed since Round 18, 2009 – some momentum could be regained as the Tigers move into a very important off-season. Melbourne on the other hand, has had its season torn apart over the past month, going from a highly-touted dynasty built around Trengove, Scully and Watts to a team which sacked its coach after some abysmal late season performances. Amazingly, the Demons could still mathematically make the Finals with a win over Richmond and games against cellar-dwelling Gold Coast and Port Adelaide to follow.

The Tigers have struggled in first quarters all season, winning just three out of 20 prior to this game. As the siren sounded, that statistic became irrelevant. The Richmond midfield, led by Shane Tuck and Nathan Foley, hunted the footy with tenacity, and when they moved the ball into the forward line they worked hard to keep it there. Ex-Demon Brad Miller was the target as high profile forward Jack Riewoldt played decoy, and the Tigers had three goals on the board within seven minutes. The Tigers continued to hound the Demon defenders with excellent forward pressure, but slippery midfielder Jack Trengove managed a goal against the tide for the Demons. Colin Sylvia followed up with a second before Richmond once again began to dominate the stoppages. The Tigers were their own worst enemy in front of goal however, failing to convert gettable chances and extend their lead significantly. When the siren sounded for quarter time, Richmond held a 14 point lead that should have been much greater given their dominance around the ground during the quarter.

Melbourne worked harder after the first break, but could not get playmaker Aaron Davey into the contest. Davey, playing his 150th game, was being well blanketed by Richmond’s Bachar Houli, so much so that Davey had just one possession to half time. The frustration continued to build for Davey who not only gave away a costly free kick but felled Richmond wingman Mitch Morton in an incident that earned him a one match sanction from the AFL Match Review Panel. Sylvia, despite being reported in the first quarter for a hit on young Tiger Jayden Post (resulting in a two match sanction from the MRP), was sensational for the Demons throughout the quarter. He continued to accumulate possessions and even managed to take a screamer of a mark over Tiger defender Matt Dea, converting the resulting kick into one of his five goals for the afternoon. It was goal for goal with Sylvia and Liam Jurrah prominent for Melbourne until late in the quarter when Richmond regained the ascendancy with consecutive goals through Jake King, Angus Graham and Miller. At half time, the Tigers had a handy 26 point lead which could have been a lot more considering their domination of the inside 50m count, 30 entries to 18.

Melbourne coach Todd Viney tinkered with his charges for the third quarter, moving the frustrated Davey into defense along with the quiet Jack Watts. The Demons burst out of the blocks, outworking the Tigers in the contested possessions. After just four minutes of play, the Demons had two goals on the board and were closing fast. Against the run of play, Dustin Martin managed a freak dribbled goal for the Tigers to keep them ahead but Melbourne continued to dominate possession. Nathan Jones for the Demons was brilliant, having numerous possessions and popping up for a couple of goals to put Melbourne in front. With a 7.1 to 1.3 third quarter, Melbourne had turned the game on its head by outdoing a rattled Richmond both in contests and tackling and causing a 34 point turnaround. At three quarter time the Demons led by eight points and looked to have the game in its grasp.

Richmond’s character would be tested in the final quarter. Livewire Robin Nahas put the icing on some nice work by Trent Cotchin in the center of the ground to record the first goal of the final term. Substitute Jeromey Webberley was activated for the Tigers with immediate results. Webberley streamed down the flank and thumped a 50 meter long goal that put Richmond back in front. Looking more like the Tiger outfit from the first half, they were working hard in and under the packs and applying hard tackles on their Melbourne counterparts. Sylvia rose to the challenge, shooting on goal to put Melbourne back in front by two points. Richmond’s Brett Deledio had had a very slow day by his lofty standards but his desperate smother off a Melbourne boot in the goal square saved a sure goal. It was a cracking finish as the lead see-sawed back and forward. King, Martin and Shane Edwards combined to get the ball in the hands of Cotchin who bullocked his way through traffic to goal for the Tigers. Richmond had the momentum but missed several chances to put the game beyond doubt until a bit of magic from full forward Riewoldt who goaled and extended the Tigers’ lead to nine points. Daniel Jackson and Edwards were in everything for the Tigers, and when young gun Martin managed a terrific goal while standing up in a tackle, the result was all but sealed. Melbourne managed two late goals through Sylvia and Jones but Richmond kept the lead and ran out deserving winners by just seven points.

The Tigers will be buoyed by two solid wins and travel to Adelaide in Round 23 to face a rejuvenated Crows’ outfit that will be a big test for Damien Hardwick’s young squad. For the Demons, the year continues to go pear-shaped with any chance of a Finals berth now completely snuffed out. Melbourne finish the season with games against the lowly-placed Gold Coast and Port Adelaide, both games they should pencil in as potential wins.

Scoreboard
Melbourne: 4.0 7.1 14.2 17.8 (110)
Richmond: 6.2 10.9 11.12 17.15 (117)

Best players
Melbourne: Sylvia, Jones, McKenzie, Bartram, Jamar
Richmond: Foley, Miller, Houli, Tuck, Martin, Rance

Tenacious Tigers Top Struggling Swans

janetl — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 18:43:49 -0500

Brook Kilpatrick reporting for AFANA from Australia

Sydney arrived at the MCG for the last game of Round 21 expecting to strengthen their Finals claims with a victory over Richmond. The Tigers have had a disappointing second half to the season and, while looking to regain some respect from the football public on the back of a six game losing streak, were not given any chance against the Swans.

Sydney had added the consistent Jarrad McVeigh and youngster Brett Meredith for the clash, while the Tigers welcomed back key position prospect Jayden Post and impressive first year defender Jake Batchelor to bolster an inexperienced defense that has been under siege in recent games.

Perfect weather greeted the teams as they ran on to the hallowed MCG turf and as proceedings got underway, it was Richmond who looked the hungrier of the combatants, dominating possession in the first ten minutes of the game. The Tigers entered their forward 50 consistently early but failed to make the most of their opportunities with poor disposal marring what could have been a sensational start. Diminutive Robin Nahas did manage the opening goal for Richmond but the Swans worked their way back into the play and kicked their first goal through the in-form Adam Goodes. Dustin Martin had the chance to put the Tigers further ahead but inexplicably dropped a perfect pass from Jack Riewoldt just 20 meters out from the Tiger goals. The frustration for the Tigers was compounded when Josh Kennedy snapped a goal for the Swans after some nifty work from Goodes. As the quarter time siren sounded the Swans led by eight points after a quarter in which Richmond dominated possession.

The second quarter started off as a scrappy affair, but the Tigers worked hard with Martin picking up a lot of the football. Trent Cotchin was relishing his role as stand-in Captain and racked up numerous contested possessions at the ruck stoppages. Full forward Riewoldt was pushed up the ground in an attempt to gain some touch, while Sydney’s Goodes had his influence quelled up forward by the much improved Alex Rance. Ex-Essendon midfield battler Bachar Houli once again made the Tigers’ recruiting staff look good with some blitzing runs out of half-back, waltzing through the centre at one stage and slotting a sensational goal from outside the 50 meter arc. Coach Damien Hardwick had clearly instructed his players to take the game on and despite some costly errors they gained the ascendancy over a somewhat flat Sydney outfit. At half time the Tigers held a tenuous 11 point lead, enough to have Swans fans concerned that their Finals tickets may not be stamped just yet.

After the long break, it was Brett Deledio who joined the red hot Houli in keeping Richmond’s running game going. Sydney’s Kennedy looked ready to fire up the Swans with some solid marking and fine finishing. While on the ball Goodes was being controlled by the tag team of Shane Tuck and Daniel Jackson and this match up proving crucial in reducing the influence of the Swans’ number one game breaker. With the game in the balance, young Matt Dea received a free kick right on the 50 meter arc for the Tigers. Sydney coach John Longmire would have been mortified when Richmond’s best long distance goal kicker Deledio was allowed to waltz alongside Dea, receive a casual handball and launch a perfect drop punt through the sticks to restore the Tigers’ two goal buffer. A pinpoint pass from Mitch Farmer on to the chest of the lively Nahas, running back towards goal, set up a snap goal to stretch the lead to 19 points and the Tiger Army was roaring in approval at the thought of a potential upset.

As the final quarter commenced the scoreboard showed Richmond leading 8.12 to 5.11. The Swans had the hard work ahead of them with Richmond not only having the momentum but a boisterous home crowd behind them. Sydney was desperate to score the first goal and increased their pressure on Richmond. As Goodes ran towards goal it looked like a sure six points. Enter the best on ground Houli who lunged and brought Goodes down for a holding the ball decision that relieved the pressure and showed the desperation the Tigers had been lacking for weeks. When the Tigers brought the ball into their own forward line where Riewoldt was starting to have an influence, a howler of a mistake by Sydney defender Heath Grundy allowed Brad Miller to tackle him for another holding the ball decision in favour of the home team. Miller lined up and calmly slotted a goal to extend the Tigers’ lead to 26 points and the game looked gone for Sydney. Martin, Riewoldt and substitute Mitch Morton joined the celebrations and slotted through majors. While the Swans managed a couple of goals through the solid Ryan O’Keefe and Sean Bird, Richmond had the game well and truly wrapped up. When the final siren sounded, Richmond had comprehensively dented the Swans' Finals hopes with a 43 point demolition.

Sydney now has to hold off Fremantle and North Melbourne for a Finals berth and fans must be wondering where the fire was from their team as it was the Tigers, not the Swans, who looked like the team looking for September action. The Swans now have their Finals aspirations on the line as they face St Kilda in Round 22 and the Geelong juggernaut at Skilled Stadium in Round 23 before a more winnable Round 24 match against Brisbane.

Richmond on the other hand had many positives to come out of the win. Cotchin, Houli and Deledio were nothing short of sensational for their club. The continued development of Rance as a key back man and some nice cameos from Martin and Batchelor (the latter unfortunately sustaining a shoulder injury late in the game) are giving Tiger fans something to hang on to going into the last three rounds of the season.

Scoreboard
Richmond: 1.4 5.8 8.12 14.15 (99)
Sydney:   2.6 3.9 5.11  7.14 (56)

Best Players
Richmond: Houli, Cotchin, Deledio, Rance, Martin, Nahas
Sydney:   Kennedy, Hannebery, O’Keefe, Mumford, Goodes

Stirring Tigers Stun Fremantle

janetl — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:14:31 -0500

Janet Linn reporting for AFANA from Western Australia

In a season-defining win, the Richmond Tigers have come of age, defeating one of the most talented and improved sides in the AFL, the Fremantle Dockers, and recording their third victory in a row. After many seasons at the bottom of the Ladder, the young Richmond side has shown that it is heading in the right direction and that it may well upset stronger and more experienced teams on the road to improvement. Fremantle is the eighth team of eleven coming off the bye, to lose their next game, causing fans and experts to ponder the effects – positive and negative – of the new fixturing, which includes two byes for each teams at various points of the season.

Prior to this match, Richmond had not won a first quarter and had played catch up football as a result. Fremantle was keen to have a win at the MCG, which is a ground they have not had much exposure to. Their pre-game strategies would have centered around tagging brilliant second year midfielder Dustin Martin out of the game and improving their efficiency on goal, unimpressive so far this season.

Fans were treated to a fantastic first quarter contest. Richmond showed early that they were on song with a quick goal to pocket rocket Robin Nahas who has been on fire in the past three games. Fremantle nailed the quick reply after a terrific mark by its own powerhouse small man, Hayden Ballantyne. He passed to Garrick Ibbotson and the Dockers had their first. At the 13 minute mark it was seven points apiece. Fremantle forward Chris Mayne, who has been in sparkling form, had two shots on goal and missed both, letting Richmond off the hook and into the game. More points followed to see Fremantle one goal seven, and with past history (including Grand Finals) showing how wasteful starts to games can cost teams games, this was a worrying sign for the Dockers. New Tiger Bachar Houli (recruited from Essendon) made a great run though the center and followed up with a huge 60 yard kick for a team-lifting goal. It was a tied game at 13 points each. Stephen Hill showed a flash of brilliance with his first impact on the game but his shot on goal missed and Tyrone Vickery missed a sitter at the Richmond end. Vickery made amends minutes later when he was on the end of a passage of play featuring Nathan Foley and Richmond captain Chris Newman. The set shot on goal went straight through the middle and it was the Tigers by a goal. Kepler Bradley proved yet again what an acquisition he has been for Fremantle when he kicked a great goal out of a congested pack in the forward line and the quarter ended with the scores even at 20 points.

Goals were traded back and forth during an exciting second quarter. Hill struck first for the Dockers before Trent Cotchin answered to even the score. Nahas ran hard from Richmond’s defensive zone to be involved again in the forward 50 and post a terrific goal. Nathan Fyfe combined with captain Matthew Pavlich to answer for Fremantle. Cotchin was in the thick of the play yet again when Greg Broughton was penalized for a high fend off and Cotchin made him pay with a goal. Desperate play by the ever-dangerous Ballantyne was the catalyst for a Fremantle revival with goals to himself then Bradley. The Dockers were up by four points when the Tigers decided they were still in the match. Richmond's fan favorite Jake King scored two goals and Vickery contributed another to give the Tigers a 14 point break. Not to be outdone, Ballantyne showed his brilliance, making something out of nothing with a long goal. It was Aussie Rules at its best as the Dockers refused to surrender. In the last two minutes of the quarter Mayne and Adam McPhee goaled to give the Dockers a two point lead going into the half-time break.

Games are often won or lost in the third quarter (dubbed the Premiership quarter) and this match proved no exception. The lead seesawed with great competitive football all over the ground. Shaun Grigg worked hard to get the ball into Jack Riewoldt’s reliable hands and the Tigers had the all-important first goal. Cotchin’s goal on the run from outside 50 was a gem and put the Tigers nine points ahead. A determined Pavlich clearance gave the reliable Bradley a shot on goal and he didn’t let the team down. Nick Lower followed up quickly and the Dockers looked set to threaten when a steadying six pointer to Brad Miller returned the three point lead to the Tigers. Brett Deledio’s inspirational running goal from 60 yards out was the sign that it was game on. Another goal to the dependable Bradley and it was a three point margin again. At the 15 minute mark, Fremantle was forced to activate its substitute, Dylan Roberton, to replace the fiery Ballantyne and the momentum shifted the Tigers’ way. Three late goals to Riewoldt, Graham and Vickery gave Richmond a 20 point break, the largest for the game and their scintillating eight goal quarter set the scene for a huge upset.

Fans were being treated to a great game as the unfancied Richmond gave their all to compete against a more experienced Fremantle team, hopeful of Finals action in September. Richmond exchanged Matt White (who had been shaky after a heavy third quarter clash) for new look substitute Ben Nason. Nason formerly had a head full of blonde dreadlocks but was shorn during the week to raise money for breast cancer in honor of his mother who is battling the disease. The Dockers defended grimly for the first five minutes of the last quarter and although they continued to attack with intent, the Tigers defense stood tall. Two desperate lunging efforts to smother by Batchelor and McGuane deep in the Fremantle attacking zone proved the game changers. Cotchin kicked two goals in quick succession and the Tigers were away. Nahas scored two more for a bag of four in his best game for the Tigers and Houli and Riewoldt chipped in for another goal apiece.

In the final analysis, the Dockers fell victim to the “curse of the bye” and while they tried hard all day, they ran out of legs in the last quarter and were eventually overrun by a hungrier opponent. Fremantle is too good a side not to rebound but with the Western Derby coming up in Round 8 and a long list of injured players, they have cause for concern.

Richmond players have been fierce in recent weeks with their endeavor and their toughness in tackling and running the ball on at all costs, showcasing their surging self-belief. Whether this young side can maintain this intensity remains to be seen but the signs for the club are encouraging. After a long time without success, Richmond members and fans are daring to believe that the Tiger Army will see Finals action in the not too distant future.

Scoreboard
Richmond  3.2 9.7 17.7  23.10 (148)
Fremantle 2.8 9.9 13.11 14.15 (99)

Best players
Richmond  R Nahas, T Cotchin, S Edwards, B Houli, J Batchelor, N Foley
Fremantle A Sandilands, S Hill, K Bradley, C Pearce, M Pavlich

Hannebery Riewoldt Winners

Lisa Albergo — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 11:06:15 -0500

by Lisa Albergo reporting for AFANA from Chicago

Sydney's Dan Hannebery is the 2010 Rising Star. Just ahead of the first finals series, Hannebery was presented with the Ron Evans Medal by 2009 winner Daniel Rich from Brisbane. The award also comes with a $20,000 investment portfolio and a personal banker, both from the National Australian Bank, the award sponsor. NAB also sponsors the preseason games.

Hannebery won the nomination for a stellar performance in Round 2 against Adelaide in which he racked up 23 possessions. Ironically, he felt his performance could have been better, saying he felt he was a bit selfish and that his defensive efforts could have been better.

The voting panel of Andrew Demetriou, Adrian Anderson, Mark Ricciuto, Kevin Bartlett, James Hird, Gerard Healy, Glen Jakovich, Robert Walls and Kevin Sheehan awarded Hannebery the maximum 45 votes. Melbourne's Tom Scully was second with 35 votes, followed by Brisbane's Tom Rockliff with 24 votes and Melbourne's Jack Trengrove with 11. Eagle Nic Naitanui, who was expected to win the award early this season before falling away, polled just two votes. Those came from former Eagle Glen Jakovich and AFL Talent Manager Kevin Sheehan.

Hannebery was drafted in 2008 and played seven games in his 2009 debut season. He remained in Melbourne to finish school in 2009 and traveled to Sydney when required. He emerged as a future star this season, playing 19 games and averaging 21 possessions per game. His ability to win the ball at clearances in contested situations were a highlight of his play as was his long kicking. He is ranked in the top ten at the Swans for disposals (398 through Round 22) and tackles (60 through Round 22).

Coach Paul Roos, who said at the start of the season that Hannebery had the makings for a breakout season this year, was proven right. He said Hannebery's performances had been consistently high and that he did not suffer mental lapses or struggle as some young players do. He praised Hannebery's ability to impact games on a regular basis. NAB CEO Cameron Clyne was also impressed with the young midfielder saying his "... spirit, courage and talent make him a worthy ... Rising Star.” .He is the second Swan to win the award, following Adam Goodes' win in 1999.

Source: AFL Record, Patrick Keane, AFL Media Release

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt is the first Tiger to win both the club award and the Coleman Medal in the same season. The spring-heeled Riewoldt was also nominated for Mark of The Year in Round 11. The club's awards function was held several days after the completion of Round 22. Jack polled 210 votes to edge out captain Chris Newman (204 votes) for the Jack Dyer Medal. Two time winner Brett Delidio finished third with 193 votes. 2010 debutant Dustin Martin was fourth with 159 votes while Shane Tuck continued his streak of top ten placings as he came in fifth, followed by Shane Edwards and Trent Cotchin, who did well despite missing two games through suspension.

Riewoldt was a slow starter in the round by round count, but his six goal haul against Essendon gave him the lead. The next few rounds earned him plenty of votes, capped off with a perfect 25 for his impressive, eye-catching ten goal display against West Coast in Round 12. His Round 21 effort sealed the win.

He had an amazing 2010 season with three goals or more in 14 games, four or more in eight matches and 43 goals from Round 8-15. That effort represented the highest total for an individual in eight consecutive matches since Essendon's Matthew Lloyd in 2001. Riewoldt was also top at the club for marks (with 123), contested marks (54) and 79 inside 50s (getting the ball to a teammate inside the 50 meter (55 yards) arc for scoring chances. He also laid 68 tackles for the season.

Newman's second placing was the best of his career. He averaged 19 disposals per game, was second for running the ball out of defense (79), finished fifth for disposals (410), fourth for marks (101), and equaled Riewoldt's tackle count.

Deledio also had an excellent season as a running defender. in 20 games, he had 20 or more disposals and had the most kicks (302). He was second for handballs (254), first for total disposals (556), second for marks (116), first for inside 50's (76) and first for rebound 50's (running the ball out of defense) with 93.

Dustin Martin,19, became a star almost overnight. In his debut season, he played 21 games (missing one through suspension) and averaged 20 disposals per game. He was ranked first for clearances (winning the ball at stoppages) with 97, third for disposals (425), inside50's (74), second in contested possessions (179) and fourth for tackles (70).

Tuck's first game was Round Three, but he was quick to impress and did so in his 20 games. He averaged 25 disposals per game. He also ranked highly in statistics - third for kicks (227), first for handballs (283), second for total disposals (510), second for clearances (92), third for inside 50's (66) and first for tackles (103).

THE VOTING: All five members of the match committee award 0-5 votes for each player per game. The most any one player can receive after a game is 25.

Other awards:
Bill Cosgrove/Harry Jenkins Best First Year Player: Dustin Martin
Francis Bourke Award: Chris Newman
Michael Roach Award for Leading Goalkicker: Jack Riewoldt
Most Improved Player: Shane Edwards

Jack Riewoldt was also awarded the Ian Stewart Medal for his best on ground performance against St Kilda in Round 21. He kicked six goals in that match and is the first Tiger to win the medal since its inception in 2004. The medal is named to honor Stewart as he played for both St Kilda and Richmond. Stewart was a premiership player with both clubs and won the Brownlow Medal while playing for both clubs. He played 127 games with the Saints 1963-1970, was a member of St Kilda's 1966 premiership team and won the Brownlow Medal in 1965 and 1966. He crossed to Richmond in 1971 where he played a further 78 games 1971-75 and won both the Brownlow and Richmond's best and fairest award in 1971. He played in Richmond's premiership team in 1973.

Previous winners of the Ian Stewart Medal are: Aussie Jones (2004), Nick Dal Santo (2005), Lenny Hayes (2006), Leigh Montagna (2007), Stephen Milne (2008, and Brendon Goddard (2009).

Source: richmondfc.com.au, Adrian Ceddia, Club Media Release

Adelaide's Richard Douglas was presented with the Malcolm Blight Medal as the club's 2010 best and fairest. He polled 35 votes to finish ahead of Scott Thompson (30 votes), Michael Doughty (27 votes), Brent Reilly (26), Graham Johncock (25), and Kurt Tippett (24). The top ten was completed by Ben Rutten (23), captain Simon Goodwin (22), and Scott Stevens and Nathan van Berlo (19 each).

Douglas earned votes in 19 of 22 games and polled the maximum four votes for his Round Nine performance against Brisbane. In that match he had 23 possessions, laid 8 tackles, and kicked three goals. Goodwin was a chance to overtake Douglas in the voting but his season was ended after Round 16 due to injury.

THE VOTING: the match committee confers to jointly award votes on a 4-2-3-1-0 basis after each game.

Other awards:
Best Team Man: Scott Stevens
Chairman’s Circle Emerging Talent: Rory Sloane
Chelsea Phillis Vice President’s Club Coach’s Award: Richard Douglas
Mark Bickley Award: Phil Davis
19th Man Award: Graham Johncock
Club Leading Goalkicker: Kurt Tippett

Source: David Burtenshaw, Club Media Release

Melbourne's Brad Green was honored for his best season ever with the club's Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy as the 2010 best and fairest. Truscott was a star for the club before being killed in World War II. Green polled 295 votes, ahead of defender James Frawley (277), and ruckman Mark Jamar (231). Frawley is the nephew of former Richmond coach Danny Frawley. Fourth place went to last year's winner Aaron Davey (194) and Colin Sylvia (170).

Green also won the Ron Barassi Leadership award as well as the Heart and Soul Award for his outstanding work on the field where he was rotated between a wing and the forward line. He kicked 55 goals for the season to finish sixth on the AFL goalkicking list, the best return of his career. He nailed three goals for more in ten games and kicked five in three games, all of which were personal bests. He also ranked sixth in the league for marks with 153.

Frawley, who debuted in 2007, had a breakout 2010 season, lifting his play to finish third on the AFL list for rebound 50's (running the ball out of defense). His ability to shut down forwards and clear the ball out of defense were features of his game.

Jamar also had his best season with 643 hitouts, second only to Docker giant Aaron Sandilands. Jamar's previous best was 261 hitouts in 2008.

Other awards:
Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy (Club Ambassador: Colin Sylvia
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (Best First Year Player): Tom Scully
Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy (Melbourne's best & fairest VFL player): Brad Miller

In previous years, the match committee as a group awarded each player up to four votes per game so the best player could do in any given match was 16 votes. This year, Coach Dean Bailey and assistants Josh Mahoney, Sean Wellman, Scott West and Mark Williams used a different method. They each awarded votes to players.

Source: Ryan Larkin, Club Media Release, 2010 AFL Record Season Guide

Future Rosy For Eagles

rickb — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 08:11:53 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

AFL football fans around the world dread Round 22. If their team does not make the Top Eight, there is no more serious footy action until the following April. Prior to this round, Richmond had appointed Damien Hardwick as their new coach for 2010 and, with a major clean out predicted, Tiger players were playing for their future at the club. In contrast, the Eagles had won three out of their last four games and had their sights set on finishing the season strongly in front of a capacity home crowd.

Following a scrappy and congested start, it was Richmond's enigmatic Jordan McMahon who scored the first goal. It wasn't until halfway through the quarter that the Eagles finally managed a goal of their own after a strong mark and conversion by Ben McKinley in the pocket. West Coast dominated the contested ball, covering the big ground with speed and determination. They kicked three unanswered goals with Richmond players looking inept and tentative at the ball. As the siren sounded to end the first quarter, the Eagles had a useful 23 point lead.

Within the first few minutes of the second quarter, Dean Polo had made a horrible tactical blunder. He tried to play on after bringing the ball back into play after a point but crumbled under the pressure applied by the West Coast forward, deliberately running the ball through for a rushed behind. The AFL changed this rule specifically to prevent this style of play and the resultant free kick gave Mark LeCras a gift goal from ten meters out. After this blooper, the Tigers seemed to wake up from their slumber for a time and in their best passage of play so far ran the ball the length of the ground. Brett Deledio finished off with a superb snap on goal and the visitors had their tails up. Richmond began to win the clearances and started to run in earnest. When they kicked the next two goals to make it three in a row, there was a sense of excitement around the ground. Unfortunately the tiger in their tank was short-lived. The Eagles took control to score the next five goals and effectively put the opposition away. At the end of the first half the Eagles had a commanding 33 point advantage.

West Coast were out of the blocks quickly as the third quarter got underway. Brent Staker, quiet to this point, kicked two goals to inspire his team. Richmond could only manage a single behind for the quarter and looked as if they wanted the season to be over right there and then. They offered only token resistance with their tackling pressure non-existent and their ball skills sub-standard. In addition, Richmond's midfield players failed to drop back and support their defenders who were under siege. When sides are down and players are playing for their professional lives, thoughts of individual survival can prevail over supporting a team-mate. "Lower the lifeboat, I'm in it," appeared to be the dominant thought amongst the Tigers as the game progressed. The Eagles had it all their own way and broke away to kick the last four goals of the quarter. It was six goals to nil as the siren sounded and firmly hammered the nails into the Richmond coffin.

With a lead of 72 points to start the last term, the only interest was to see if the Eagles could break their all-time winning margin of 96 points. To their credit, Richmond sensed that while the game might be lost, there was still some point in fighting for pride. They held their own over the next 25 minutes but LeCras put his final stamp on the game with two brilliant goals. One of these goals summed up the depths to which Richmond's skills could plummet. A wide awake LeCras intercepted a poorly executed McMahon kick-in and goaled over the head of his dazed opponent.

It was another disappointing effort from the Richmond players who finished the season as they started it. A team that promised much before the season and widely tipped to finish in the Final Eight, they got a belting from Carlton in the very first game and never recovered. The Eagles, on the other hand, lifted towards the end of the season, producing some excellent efforts. They take a young, blooded and raring to go team into next year and can head into the pre-season with high hopes for the future.

Scores
West Coast 4.8 9.14 15.18 17.23 (125)
Richmond   1.3 5.5   5.6   6.9  (45)

Best players
West Coast M Spangher, C Fletcher, N Naitanui, S Hurn, M LeCras
Richmond   B Cousins, B Deledio, S Edwards, R Tambling, D Jackson

Tigers Snarl in Subiaco Thriller

rickb — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 00:53:28 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Subiaco Oval

When two AFL teams sitting near the bottom of the ladder are scheduled to meet, anticipation is not high for an exciting spectacle. The Round 10 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Richmond Tigers was a special game for Terry Wallace. Wallace, the media-besieged Richmond coach, would complete his 500th game as a player and coach, only the 17th man in the history of AFL football to achieve this feat. Leading into the game there was mounting speculation that it would be his last with a disappointing Richmond team performing well below pre-season expectations. With a dismal one win-eight loss record and Wallace in the final year of his contract, rumors of the end were rife. Fremantle Docker Dean Solomon, a former Essendon player and member of the victorious 2000 Premiership side, was celebrating his own personal milestone, his 200th game, so both teams had something to play for. Disgraced home town hero Ben Cousins was also playing his first game back in Perth since 2007 after being sacked from the West Coast Eagles for drug abuse. The ball was bounced and the game which unfolded over the next 100 minutes exceeded all expectations.

Giant seven foot ruckman Aaron Sandilands kicked the Dockers' first goal within two minutes and the game developed into an arm-wrestle as the teams traded goals. Veteran Fremantle forward Des Headland turned the clock back when he took a huge mark leaping high over the back of his unfortunate opponent. His subsequent goal put the home team's tails up. Richmond bounced back with three goals and the game developed into a struggle that had the spectators on the edge of their seats. Mark Harvey won the coaching duel during the first quarter by dropping Sandilands back into the forward line and kicking long to put him in a one-on-one contest. This tactic resulted in goals to the towering ruckman, Matthew Pavlich and Headland and saw Fremantle go into the first break with a slim eleven point lead.

After the cracking start to the game, the first half of the second quarter was surprisingly tame. What had begun as a free flowing game with ten goals scored became a slow moving and low scoring affair. Both teams fumbled, kicked poorly and seemed reluctant to take risks to move the ball forward. It wasn't until the 16 minute mark that Jack Riewoldt kicked a goal for Richmond. Fremantle finally goaled at the 22 minute mark and took an unconvincing 14 point lead into the long break.

No-one knows what coach Wallace said to the Tigers at half time but it appeared to work. Brett Deledio kicked an inspirational goal from outside 50 meters to start the third quarter and the Tigers turned up the heat. With Cousins passing accurately by hand and foot every time he had possession, Richmond scored the next eight goals to have Fremantle almost down and out. Injuries to Dockers players saw the bench with no substitutes for a good ten minutes as the medical staff worked frantically to get players back on the field. Richmond played on at every opportunity to run the Dockers ragged. To their credit, Fremantle bounced back and kicked the last three goals to keep them within striking distance, a not insurmountable 15 points, as the siren rang to end the third quarter.

With his reputation on the line after a patchy start to the season, Richmond's Richard Tambling was quick out of the blocks and goaled within the first 30 seconds. After that it was an old fashioned shoot-out with both teams throwing everything into their offensive games. Fremantle scored the next three goals but a costly kick-in error by Scott Thornton turned the ball over and Deledio converted on goal from a very acute angle to lift the Tigers. Big man Troy Simmonds goaled soon after to give Richmond a comfortable 14 point buffer with ten minutes left on the clock. A spirited Fremantle refused to lay down, kicking the next three goals to hit the lead with only a few minutes to play. When Mitch Morton marked the ball in Richmond's forward line and played on to open up the angle, Tigers' fans held their breath. In Round 8 against Port Adelaide, Morton had a similar opportunity in the dying minutes of the match but played on, put himself off balance and kicked the ball out of bounds on the full. He was accused of not keeping a cool head and of losing the game for his team. This time however Morton kicked truly to put the Tigers ahead by three points. Fremantle kept the pressure on and although the football was in the Dockers' forward line when the siren rang Richmond hung on to win an out and out thriller.

The closeness of the finish was fitting in what turned out to be an entertaining spectacle with thirty four goals scored. No matter which team had finished in front, all players could hold their head up in a game that was definitely won rather than lost. Fremantle and Richmond should watch this game over and over to see what they are capable of when they play aggressive and attacking football. In the long run, the result of this match won't have much effect on the composition of the Final Eight but it does show that while not winning often, each of these teams is capable of producing a top line performance and playing at a far better standard than fans have seen so far this season.

Scoreboard
Richmond  4.3 5.9 13.9 17.13 (115)
Fremantle 6.2 8.5 11.6 17.10 (112)

Best
Richmond  B Deledio, B Cousins, R Nahas, N Foley, D Polo, R Tambling
Fremantle A Sandilands, P Duffield, G Ibbotson, N Suban, C Tarrant, S Thornton

Demons Character Win

janetl — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 07:16:48 -0500

Janet Linn reporting for AFANA from the MCG, Melbourne

After a nightmare week in the media spotlight, beleaguered Richmond Tigers coach Terry Wallace found no salvation in Sunday's must win game against the Melbourne Demons. Week-long headlines prophesying Wallace's demise should Richmond fail to produce a winning performance were read by all it seems except the Melbourne football team. Twenty-two players, most in their fledgling years of AFL football, ran on to the MCG in red and black Melbourne guernseys. The youthful Demons came with but one aim - to play the best brand of football they could muster. Not only did they turn a deaf ear to the roars of the Tiger Army, they turned the footy tipping world upside down in a display of character football for which the Tigers had no answers. At last the starved Demons have something to build upon for the future.

Before the game began, both Melbourne and Richmond had moved off the bottom of the Ladder to make way for the Fremantle Dockers who have also struggled to get past an abysmal start to the 2009 season. In the first quarter at the MCG, the skills on display were certainly those of two of the bottom sides with clangers and turnovers the order of the day. The game began with a free kick to Richmond before the ball had even been bounced. Melbourne player Matthew Warnock was reported for striking Tom Hislop who received a 50 meter penalty and passed the ball to Mitch Morton who registered the Tigers first major. Matthew Richardson and Brett Deledio squandered easy opportunities before a Nathan Brown free kick brought up Richmond's second goal. Both teams mishandled the ball early but poor skills became the order of the day for the Tigers and the Demons were able to gain momentum through some very messy Richmond turnovers and skill errors. Brad Green and Nathan Jones scored six pointers for Melbourne and there were some very gettable shots wasted as Melbourne racked up a total of four "posters" (when the ball hits the goal post) for the quarter. At the quarter time break three points separated the two sides.

Melbourne broke the game apart in the second quarter, dominating the center possessions and moving the football quickly into their forward line. Brock McLean, Matthew Bate, Brad Miller and Colin Sylvia combined well in an eight goal onslaught by the Demons. Richmond seemed completely overwhelmed by the deluge as the Melbourne players played constructive team football, marking everything that came their way, finding space to lead, kicking to a loose man, running hard and looking for opportunities to score. It took Richmond over half the quarter to score but when they did it came through a handpass from veteran Richardson to first gamer Andrew Collins who kicked his first goal in AFL football. They repeated the play minutes later for Collins' second goal and a Richo assist. With only 13 points separating the teams, it appeared the Tigers had revived but it was to no avail. Lynden Dunn and Matthew Bate goaled for the Demons to return the lead to 25 points and a Brad Miller snap on the siren made it a 31 point margin at the long break.

An early third quarter goal to Michael Newton and an inspirational goal by Aaron Davey made Richmond's task look impossible with the Demons' hard running and fierce endeavor giving them an unbeatable edge. The quarter was interrupted by an unusual accident. One of the central field umpires was injured and had to be carried from the ground and the diversion seemed to refuel the Richmond tank. Young Tiger Robin Nahas sparked a revival with a handy goal assist followed by a magnificent solo effort on goal, narrowing the margin to 27 points. When Melbourne gave away a 50 meter penalty resulting in a goal to Richardson, Tiger fans saw some light at the end of the tunnel but another shocking turnover in defense gave Newton an easy shot on goal and the quarter ended with Melbourne 28 points ahead. Richmond had more disposals for the quarter than the Demons and for the most part their performance was better but they could not make an impression on the scoreboard. Melbourne looked set to score their first victory since Round 20, 2008.

Richmond opened the last quarter with three chances to goal before back man Kelvin Moore finally slotted through a much-needed major. With the Tigers intent on a comeback, Melbourne steadied with goals from Neville Jetta and Ricky Petterd to get back to a 26 point lead. Brett Deledio made something out of nothing to narrow the margin to 21 points with six and a half minutes remaining. The Tigers had their chances with Riewoldt and McGuane goaling but missed shots from Richardson and Morton summed up the Richmond players' day. It was a case of much too little, much too late. Melbourne ran out winners by eight points although this small margin did not reflect their better play and superior attitude.

In the final analysis, Melbourne showed determination and turned it into belief. Richmond showed a fragile psyche and turned a golden opportunity to kick start their season into humiliation, putting the club into the headlines for all the wrong reasons. The Tigers were a sorry sight leaving the ground and coach Wallace, grim-faced and no doubt confounded, is left to face another week of heavy scrutiny from within and outside the football club.

Scoreboard
Melbourne 2.6 10.7 13.11 14.16 (100)
Richmond  2.3  5.6  9.7  13.14 (92)

Best
Melbourne C Sylvia, M Newton, A Davey, C Bruce, B Miller
Richmond  J Bowden, N Foley, M Richardson, A Rance, A Collins

Bulldogs Stomp on Tiger’s Tail

janetl — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 06:13:56 -0500

Rick Browner reporting for AFANA from Etihad Stadium, Melbourne

Hopes were high that after last week’s spirited performance against Geelong, Richmond could break their winless streak and take the game up to an in-form Western Bulldogs. However there were ominous signs when Richmond players failed to break through the supporters’ club banner when running onto the ground.

In front of a crowd of over 46,000 the Tigers started well. Jack Riewoldt kicked the first goal and for the first ten minutes of the game the ball was kept in the Richmond half of the ground. On two occasions Richmond players ran too far with the ball, an unforgivable error in modern football. In spite of these simple skill errors, the Bulldogs could not capitalize on the resulting free kicks and peppered the point post in reply.

Matt White was on the receiving end of a quick and decisive series of handballs and kicked Richmond’s second goal at the 15 minute mark. The Bulldogs wasted chances late in the quarter and Richmond fans came to life when Nathan Foley kicked their third goal. With the Western Bulldogs held goal-less for the quarter, Tiger supporters had every reason to think their team was on target for an improved performance.

Richmond came out strongly and kicked their fourth goal early in the second quarter but it was only a matter of time before the Bulldogs woke up and took control. Two goals in two minutes had the Tigers on the back foot as the Bulldogs quickly closed the gap. Tempers became frayed when Brett Deledio received a solid punch to the head in an attempted spoil by defender Liam Picken who was reported for striking. Richmond drew the groans of the crowd when they could only score a behind from the resulting free kick and fifty meter penalty. When Dale Morris goaled half way through the quarter, the Bulldogs hit the front for the first time in the game. Minutes later Brad Johnson goaled from a difficult angle and when Shaun Higgins followed with another six pointer, the crank of the opening floodgates could be heard.

While the Richmond crowd screamed for Richard Tambling, having a horror match, to be taken off the ground, other Tigers mishandled the ball and were punished severely by the Bulldogs. Defender Jake King turned the ball over for a Brad Johnson goal. The die was cast when Tambling surrendered a golden opportunity in attack and Jason Akermanis scored a goal from his mistake.

In the final quarter it all went the Western Bulldog’s way. Matthew Richardson played a lone hand in trying to lift his team but in the end the Western Bulldogs ran out easy 47 point winners. While the Bullies look set to challenge top teams Geelong and St Kilda for a position in the Finals, Richmond continue to flounder at the bottom of the ladder and have their character and coaching staff questioned. If Richmond fail to win against Melbourne next week at the MCG, their credibility and 2009 Finals aspirations will be in tatters. The Western Bulldogs travel to Perth to play the out of form Eagles and should maintain their unbeaten record.

Scoreboard
Western Bulldogs    0.6 6.11 10.13 16.14 (110)
Richmond            3.4  4.8  7.10  8.15 (63)

Best
Western Bulldogs    J Akermanis, B Johnson, L Gilbee, S Higgins, D Cross
Richmond            M White, N Foley, M Richardson, S Tuck

Reports
L Picken (WB) striking