A standout performance from captain Trent Cotchin and star forward Jack Riewoldt has helped Richmond to their second win of the season, after defeating Hawthorn by 13 points at the MCG.
The reigning premiers were in control for much of the game and led by a game-high 39 points early in the final quarter, before a quick turnaround from the Hawks saw them provide a late scare in front of 70,701 fans at the home of football.
Riewoldt (four goals) and Cotchin (31 disposals, six tackles) helped lead the way for the Tigers, who bounced back superbly after their loss against the Crows last week in the Grand Final rematch.
It will be a nervous week for Richmond after Alex Rance caught Luke Breust high with a whack across the head which could see him miss a game if found guilty by the Match Review Panel.
In a tense opening term, both sides traded blows early before late goals to Riewoldt and Toby Nankervis helped kick the Tigers 17 points ahead heading into the second quarter.
The second quarter was much of the same, as Kamdyn McIntosh kicked an early goal to extend Richmond’s lead before Paul Puopolo was able to kick a major either side of a debut goal to remember for Jack Higgins.
The pick No. 17 in the 2017 AFL Draft’s celebration was eerily similar to Richmond greats, Kevin Bartlett as he threw his hands up in jubilation after kicking his first goal in AFL football.
As Hawthorn tried to stem the flow, they were led brilliantly once again by Tom Mitchell (42 disposals) who tried to keep his side in the game as Breust was able to slot one late and bring it back to 19 points at the major break.
Jarryd Roughead got the Hawks off to a perfect start when he kicked the first of the second half, but after a goal to Riewoldt, Hawthorn were beaten up at each stoppage as the Tigers flexed their muscles in what was a strong third term.
Goals from Shaun Grigg and Higgins extended the lead to 33 at the final change and a quick goal to start the opening term to Jason Castagna put the proverbial icing on the cake before Dan Butler used some trickery to kick his first.
Hawthorn, however were able to fight back and kick five of the last six to close the gap to only 13 points at the final siren, as Richmond held on to the victory and the four points while the Hawks lost their first of the season.
Richmond host Brisbane at the MCG next Saturday afternoon while Hawthorn will take on Melbourne in a crunch game at the same venue on Sunday.
RICHMOND 5.3 8.7 12.11 15.12 (102)
HAWTHORN 2.4 5.6 7.8 13.11 (89)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Castagna 3, Higgins 2, Grigg, Edwards, Nankervis, Lloyd, McIntosh, Butler
Hawthorn: Roughead 4, Puopolo 3, Breust 3, Rioli, Mitchell, O'Meara
BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Conca, Houli, Vlastuin, Rance, Martin
Hawthorn: Mitchell, McEvoy, Smith, Roughead, Gunston
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Hawthorn: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fisher, Rosebury, Hosking
Official crowd: 70,701 at the MCG
TALKING POINTS
1. RICHMOND SHOW THEY ARE NOT "DUSTY RELIANT"
Dustin Martin was not at his brilliant best today, but it mattered little as the Tigers did just enough to get over the line.
Trent Cotchin, Reece Conca, Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance were excellent as Richmond were able to see off Hawthorn with relevant ease from the outset with a superb outing in the opening three quarters to set up the win.
Martin, who only had 21 disposals, failed to hit the scoreboard and did not have his usual impact as he played supporting cast to his captain and co. in a very impressive turnaround after last week’s loss to the Crows.
This is exactly the news Damien Hardwick will be pleased to hear, as he has full belief his side can still get important wins over quality opposition even in the face of the Brownlow medallist having an ‘off’ game.
2. TOM MITCHELL FIRMING AS AN EARLY BROWNLOW FAVOURITE
How do you back up two best on ground performances? You just back it up with another of the same.
Having 40 disposals is the new norm for T-Mitch who continues to gather the ball with relative ease against top oppositions with damaging effect.
Mitchell, once again had 42 disposals and was the best player on the ground in a losing effort to help his exemplify his true class as he continues to carry the Hawks' midfield.
After three games, it is expected that he will poll in each and there is a chance he could have nine from nine after the opening to the season he has had.
Whether he can keep it up is another question, but it is definitely a good chance after a brilliant opening stanza to the 2018 season.
3. RANCE IN TROUBLE WITH THE MRP
Alex Rance will be in significant strife with the MRP come Monday and the chances of him missing next week are extremely high.
The All-Australian caught Luke Breust with a high whack across the ear which could see him miss next week against the Brisbane at the minimum.
His poor record at the tribunal does not go in his favour and his absence will be a massive hole to fill for Hardwick who will have to rely on Dylan Grimes and David Astbury to fill the giant-sized gap in the Tigers' defence.
The omission may open up the door for Mabior Chol to play his second AFL game after being named as an emergency this weekend and has shown signs of improvement over the past few weeks.
A nervous few days to come for Richmond fans.
4. HAWTHORN'S BOTTOM SIX FALL SHORT
Hawthorn’s top end talent is some of the best in the competition, but it is their lesser known players who continue to plague their chances for success.
With Shaun Burgoyne, Grant Birchall and James Sicily missing, the chances for some of the Hawks' fringe talent was to shine was given to them, yet many failed to seize the opportunity.
2014 Premiership hero, Will Langford, was given a reprieve and failed to have an impact on the game as his fall from grace four years ago continues.
Youngster, Harry Morrison tried hard but looked out of depth in key moments, while Tim O’Brien continues to be a big question mark for the Hawks due to his lack of a consistent position.
James Frawley similarly struggled in his return game on Riewoldt.
The question remains as to who is in the Hawks best 22, with key players still to return and sizeable gaps around the ground which need to be addressed.
With a massive game next week against Melbourne to come, the Hawks will be hoping for some big returns.
5. BOTH SIDES BUILDING TO BE FINALS OUTFITS
It is without doubt Richmond and Hawthorn will be right in the thick of the action come the business end of the AFL season.
Richmond are expected to contest for back-to-back flags this season and will be one of the firm favourites to make the top four once again, while Hawthorn’s solid start to the season has bred optimism as they look set to make a return to the finals after a one-year absence.
Both sides will be having a big say in how the season plays out as both coaches have the talent at their disposal to do some serious damage.
With the Tigers and the Hawks both sitting at 2-1, the question will be to see where they go from here.
Hawthorn are set to face some tough games against the looming Demons and Bombers, while Richmond will face the resurgent Magpies along with the Demons.
With big games ahead for both sides, their true finals credentials will be put to the test.
Comments