By Peter Ryan
RICHMOND 7.4 10.5 13.7 14.10 (94) d. HAWTHORN 2.1 4.5 5.9 9.15 (69)
The Tigers showed they will be a premiership contender once again after they outclassed Hawthorn by 25 points in the Hillcrest Primary Tribute match in Devonport played to support a community reeling from the death of six primary school students in a jumping castle tragedy last December.
Richmond raced out of the starter’s gate with the first five goals while Hawthorn mentally prepared themselves for a long year more focused on development than wins.
Dustin Martin and Chad Wingard.Credit: Getty Images
Although the result was decided early, there was plenty for both sides to get out of the day as they tune up for round one with Richmond to face Carlton and the Hawks playing North Melbourne.
Noah Balta played his best game forward for the pre-season kicking three goals to be the game’s dominant forward while the Tigers dominated centre clearances through Dustin Martin - who had 10 disposals in the first quarter - and former skipper Trent Cotchin. Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo exploited Ned Reeves’ inexperience in the ruck. They improved when Max Lynch played in the ruck late.
The Hawks’ pressure was not what it needed to be as the Tigers moved the ball too easily from one end of the ground to the other in the first half, with their new-look defence looking good as Hugo Ralphsmith continued to press his claims to play round one. Josh Gibcus is set to play, although he was quiet.
On the bright side for the Hawks was the performance of midfielder Josh Ward, who took advantage of the absence of Tom Mitchell (groin soreness) and Jaeger O’Meara (hamstring tightness) to play in the middle. Chosen with pick No.7, Ward won the ball courageously and used it well to give Hawks supporters their player to watch in 2022.
Connor MacDonald was quieter, but he kicked goal while Finn Maginness is ready to take another step as a defender.
“We’re looking to find our best mix. Will we have that perfect mix for round one? Probably not,” Hawks coach Sam Mitchell said. “We are still going to be evolving.”
The Tigers will be without Kane Lambert for round one while Jack Graham is in doubt as Richmond chase a fourth premiership in six seasons. It’s essential Mitchell and O’Meara return to the midfield for the Hawks in round one. Tigers assistant coach Adam Kingsley said they expected Nick Vlastuin to play in round one.
The Tigers took the foot off the pedal late, allowing Hawthorn to build respect on the scoreboard. Hawthorn’s pressure around the ball and willingness to use the corridor showed that Richmond had a few things to tidy up before the season opener.
“We’re feeling pretty good about ourselves at the moment but watching Carlton’s game on Thursday night, they were terrific, and we’re expecting a tough game. They look like they have improved and gone another step,” Kingsley said.
Optimism surrounds Tasmania’s bid
Premier Peter Gutwein told Fox Footy he was optimistic the AFL would grant the state a licence to field a standalone team in Tasmania saying “the opportunity had never been better” as the building blocks were all in place. The bid received a boost this week with plans for a stadium in Hobart released. Club presidents will vote on the issue in the middle of the year. When asked about the possibility of club bosses voting for expansions, Richmond president Peggy O’Neal said: “Where there is a will there is a way.”
Umpire respect
Jack Riewoldt, who plays the game with skill and passion, gave away his second 50-metre penalty for disputing an umpire’s decision in successive weeks. The rule is reasonable as carrying on after a decision adds little to the game but affects the respect shown to umpires at community level. However, it is sure to impact more heavily on players such as Riewoldt, who are known to gesticulate and become emotional when a free kick is paid against them.
Community spirit
The AFL arrived in town to make a contribution that respected the needs of the community, with Richmond’s Riewoldt leading a group of players from the Tigers, Hawthorn and North Melbourne in a school clinic that was low-key but significant. The league also helped raise money for the Hillcrest Community Public Fund with 8412 supporters attending the match.
Sore spots
The Tigers’ new co-captain Dylan Grimes missed the practice match against Geelong with COVID-19 and did not play in the last quarter after he appeared to hurt his thumb in a marking contest late in the second quarter. It may have been just a precautionary measure but Dion Prestia (hand) and Soldo (ankle) returned to the field after knocks. Gibcus copped a blow to the face late in the game.
RICHMOND 7.4 10.5 13.7 14.10 (94)
HAWTHORN 2.1 4.5 5.9 9.15 (69)
BEST
Richmond: Martin, McIntosh, Cotchin, Balta, Baker, Short.
Hawthorn: Ward, Wingard, Worpel, Breust, Newcombe
GOALS
Richmond: Balta 3, Baker 2, Lynch 2, Riewoldt 2, Edwards 2, Castagna, Soldo.
Hawthorn: Lewis 2, McEvoy, Gunston, Breust, Wingard, Phillips, MacDonald, Koschitzke
INJURIES
Richmond: Grimes (thumb) Prestia (hand) Soldo (ankle).
Hawthorn: Shiels (ill).
NEXT
Richmond v Carlton, MCG, Thursday March 17
Hawthorn v North Melbourne MCG, Sunday March 20