AFL Sydney defeats Richmond: Tigers suffer worst defeat in two years as Trent Cotchin subbed out of game

Patches of this match were packed with pride, but ultimately it was Richmond’s worst loss in two years. And what lies ahead for substituted ageing star Trent Cotchin?

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – MARCH 31: Tim Taranto of the Tigers looks dejected after a loss during the 2023 AFL Round 03 match between the Collingwood Magpies and the Richmond Tigers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on March 31, 2023 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The gruesome sight of Jack Riewoldt jogging from Adelaide Oval with blood gushing all over his face was a picture of Richmond’s season.

Riewoldt, 34, has done it all in football. But he was hurting ... and while they say be beware of the wounded Tiger, they didn’t say beware of 13 of them.

That’s how many Richmond players were unavailable for Friday night’s loss to Sydney and these Tiger cubs playing in many of their places have lost that aura of those golden years.

On Friday night only four AFL-listed players played VFL for Richmond.

Last week Maurice Rioli was dropped to the VFL, where he had only seven disposals and “limited game impact” in the words of coach Steven Morris.

But this week he was back in the AFL side as the substitute. Until a spate of Swans goals in the last quarter this looked like being a spirited loss.

Jack Riewoldt had blood gushing from his head after his head was accidentally clipped, but he played on. Picture: Michael Klein

Patches of it were packed with pride. But ultimately it was Richmond’s worst defeat in two years.

The Tigers, with just one win after round 5, now face flag favourites Melbourne and Gold Coast, two clubs they’ve lost their last two games against.

When the triumphant Tigers were ticking over premierships it was on the back of turnovers.

But on Friday night they were outscored by six goals from that source.

The game got back on Richmond’s terms in the second term and the scoreboard got back on Richmond’s terms in the third term.

The Tigers won clearances 7-4 and inside 50s 17-10 in the second term – but kicked a wasteful 1.6.

In the third term they pinged through seven goals, their third quarter for the season with at least that many majors.

This year the Tigers have plummeted from No.1 to No.15 in attack … but they have shown in spurts the potency remains.

Riewoldt, 34, was a key reason. He made a brave return with his head bandaged-up Joel Selwood-style and slotted 4.1.

Riewoldt has to be the man for the next three months with Tom Lynch (foot) sidelined.

But you wonder what lies ahead for poor old Trent Cotchin (four kicks), who looked shattered to be substituted during the third quarter.

Maurice Rioli has been activated as our substitute, replacing Trent Cotchin.#gotiges | #GatherRoundpic.twitter.com/qrDf0cFWyl

— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) April 14, 2023

Trent Cotchin was subbed out of the match with seven touches. Picture: Michael Klein

Hours before the game Cotchin warmed up on Adelaide Oval by himself. He marked balls and kicked set-shots. He nailed every goal, bar one that hit the post.

But the Brownlow Medallist has now either started or ended the Tigers’ past two games as the substitute.

Some of the Tiger cubs are looking like beauties. Like Noah Cumberland, who brings an energy not unlike Swans match-winner Tom Papley.

Judson Clarke seemed a candidate to be substituted out of the game. But minutes after it was Cotchin, Clarke snapped a goal to bring the Tigers within six points.

Samson Ryan’s first half was forgettable. Finally, he took his moment with a contested mark and goal in the third quarter.

Samson Ryan celebrates his goal, but he dropped several marks. Picture: James Elsby/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Then, in the last quarter, Ryan dropped another one. This one was equally as important, as it allowed Tom Papley to run into an open goal and kick his fourth.

Then, Ryan dropped another one when the ball bounced off his chest inside 50m.

Hugo Ralphsmith, 21, had some twitchy moments. Where is he at?

Noah Balta is a cub no more. But what was up with him on Friday night?

When Isaac Heeney intercepted his handball at halfback to run into an open goal it returned the Swans’ breathing space.

Balta has credits in the bank. Sadly for the Tigers, their 2023 credits are running out.

Campbell slots a beauty from 50 on the boundary!#GatherRound#AFLTigersSwanspic.twitter.com/XljcSK83rj

— AFL (@AFL) April 14, 2023

SCOREBOARD

TIGERS 2.2 3.8 10.9 11.12 (78)

SWANS 4.4 7.5 11.10 18.14 (122)

JASON PHELAN’S BEST
TIGERS: Baker, Riewoldt, Taranto, Hopper, Prestia, Rioli.
SWANS: Papley, Ch. Warner, Blakey, Lloyd, Gulden, Heeney, Mills.

GOALS
TIGERS: Riewoldt 4, Cumberland 2, Ryan, Pickett, Mansell, Clarke, Baker.
SWANS: Papley 6, Heeney 2, Amartey 2, Co. Warner, Ch. Warner, Stephens, Mills, McInerney, McDonald, Campbell, Rowbottom.

INJURIES TIGERS: Riewoldt (cut head). SWANS: Amartey (hamstring).

UMPIRES Power, Stephens, Gavine, Mollison

42,134 at ADELAIDE OVAL

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

JASON PHELAN’S VOTES

3 Papley (Syd)

2 Ch. Warner (Syd)

1 Baker (Rich)

Originally published as AFL Sydney defeats Richmond: Tigers suffer worst defeat in two years as Trent Cotchin subbed out of game