ESSENDON 12.14 (86) d RICHMOND 10.14 (74)
FIRST-CHOICE BACKLINE COMPLETE
Jordan Ridley’s successful return after a couple of false starts with a quadriceps injury finally gave Essendon a look at their new defence.
Recruit Ben McKay has been a quality addition after signing as a restricted free agent in the off-season, but the Bombers were yet to see how things would work with Ridley in the side alongside him.
The early signs were promising, with Ridley and Jayden Laverde amassing 27 intercept possessions between them, while Redman added nine himself in the 12-point victory over Richmond.
Nic Martin, Andy McGrath and Dyson Heppell racked up disposals at will at half-back, too.
McKay’s numbers were more modest but his presence should release the others to be even more dangerous as Essendon try to make their finals mark in September.
REPORTS OF DUSTY’S DEMISE GREATLY EXAGGERATED
Richmond champion Dustin Martin’s future beyond this year remains one of the AFL’s biggest storylines, but he still has plenty to give on Saturday night’s showing.
The triple Norm Smith medallist has nothing left to prove at this stage of his career, and no one would blame him for not wanting to keep playing as the Tigers go through a transitional period.
Everyone seems to have a take on Martin’s formline as he prepares to turn 33 next month.
But he bobbed up to kick three goals - two of them from the top shelf, including a snap that bent back beautifully in the opening term - and almost a fourth with a checkside attempt in the final quarter after a clean pick-up.
Martin also had the chance to be the match-winner in the final minute but he opted to pass rather than go for goal from outside 50m and Essendon cleared the ball.
His midfield minutes are fewer these days but write him off at your peril.
TIGER INJURY TOLL WORSENS
Adem Yze could hardly have suffered worse luck in his first season at Richmond’s helm, with a league-worst injury list making his task even tougher.
Defender Tylar Young suffered a suspected ACL rupture in the VFL earlier on Saturday, then star Shai Bolton was subbed out of the senior clash in the final quarter after some friendly fire from Mykelti Lefau in a marking contest.
The Tigers are due to head down the highway to face Geelong next Saturday night, so they may need to play without Bolton, too.