Posted on June 12, 2008 | Category: Match Reports
Richmond turned it on early, looking by far the better team for the majority of the first half, and going to half-time 14 points up. But the game was over by 5 minutes into the third as we forgot how to get the ball out of the centre, and had no ability to stay accountable when Adelaide had the ball. A 50 point loss that we should have won.
Trent Cotchin played a first half that any midfielder in the competition would be proud of, but his lack of preseason means we probably only get about half a game out of him before fitness comes into the equation. Deledio is still improving, and was in our best. Richo kicked straight (a miracle!) and Brown got a huge amount of ball, although wasn’t as damaging as he might normally be with that much leather. But Cotchin was the story: he deserves the Rising Star nomination for the week, because he was amazing.
As I hinted at in the title, our entire game lacked defensive pressure. We were a much better team in the first half than Adelaide, but you even in the first, as soon as the crows had the ball, they were through for a shot on goal. Chris Newman had a great attacking game off the half-backline, but defensively didn’t go anywhere near his opponent for almost all of the game. Luke Jericho was allowed to kick 5 goals - mostly through being completely unmarked (it’s worth pointing out that he did take a great mark as well for one of the goals).
Greg Tivendale will never play for Richmond again. It hurts, because despite the things I said, I really do like Greg, and you want him to do well. But I couldn’t think of an instance where Tivendale got the ball that didn’t either result in a turnover, or at least put our players under pressure. It’s too late for him, and about time that Wallace just took him aside and told him that the game is up. Richard Tambling was frustrating - he spent most of the game giving the distinct impression that he had a million other places he’d rather be.
3 - Trent Cotchin
2 - Brett Deledio
1 - Nathan Brown
A full four quarter effort and we’d have won this game - incredible given that we got done by 50. Heads will roll this week, but the Tiges have got nothing to gain from their game against Melbourne - but imagine the fallout if we lose. The dream is over, we’ll have to really work to scrounge out a good solid 9th for the season.
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