Richmond’s resounding win a warning for rivals in tight AFL flag race

Reigning premiers Richmond demonstrated their depth and versatility with a resounding win over the Western Bulldogs on Wednesday.

Courtney Walsh

2 min read

8:06PMJuly 30, 2020

Richmond defender Noah Balta has been compared to Tigers great Alex Rance by coach Damien Hardwick. Picture: Michael Klein

Damien Hardwick gave a succinct response explaining the secret to the Tigers’ dynamic victory over the Western Bulldogs on the Gold Coast on Wednesday night.

“It looked like a Richmond game tonight,” he said.

Richmond’s champions all contributed to a success that pushed the Tigers to third, at least temporarily, at the midway point of an abridged season.

Dustin Martin was phenomenal. Jack Riewoldt and Tom Lynch were strong in attack. Trent Cotchin performed well on his return from a hamstring injury and, given their dominance, was able to be rested late.

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Pressure in attack led to eight goals. The connection between the midfield and forwards was better. The Tigers played with more patience at times but surged forward when necessary.

The Tigers of 2019 launched their run with nine weeks remaining in the regular season, storming from 8th with a 7-6 record to the premiership without losing another match.

Their triumph over the Western Bulldogs leaves them eight more matches to play leading into the finals.

They face the top-two placed sides Brisbane and Port Adelaide in their next two outings. But the TAB, clearly impressed by the rout of the Bulldogs, has listed Richmond as $6 third favourite to defend the premiership.

Richmond’s form is reminiscent of the run that saw it unbeaten for 12 months until last month, but not all of the names are as familiar.

In a season where depth of squads is certain to be tested more than usual, particularly through the current 20-day festival of the boot, Hardwick had every right to be pleased.

The side that dismantled the Bulldogs featured only 13 of the 22 Tigers who played in last year’s premiership, underlining their strength. They played crucial roles, arguably none more so than Noah Balta, who received the highest praise from his coach.

Balta, 20, has played 18 games. But his athleticism, power and even his propensity to make a baffling mistake on occasion reminds Hardwick of the recently retired great Alex Rance.

“We think, for us to be a really good side, he has to play,” Hardwick said.

“He’s just going to grow into the role and, I’m loath to say it, but he does remind me of a young Alex Rance. I look at the way he plays the game and he does some things that only players like him can do and then he’ll make a mistake like only him and Alex can do.

“He is a prodigious talent and we’re really excited about what he’s got to offer.”

Players without a premiership medallion at Richmond are eager to join their teammates in the honour. Tigers like Jack Ross and Jack Higgins, Mabior Chol and Jake Aarts, who spent six years in the VFL seeking a chance, are hungry for success.

Last season was similar and the Tigers flourished by exposing players with less experience to greater responsibility.