Tigers streak
WITH three wins in a row – and seven wins from their last eight games – Richmond finally seem to be living up to their potential. Though scrappy at times, the Tigers took full advantage of brave cellar-dwellers Carlton last night to register a 30-point victory at the MCG. Tasmanian spearhead Jack Riewoldt, pictured, booted three goals in another strong day out for the Yellow and Black.
CONCENTRATION has not always been the Tigers’ strong point.
Under coach Damien Hardwick, they have often proved capable against top sides, only to fall frustratingly against clubs it was expected to beat.
And at times in the second quarter last night, Hardwick would have shifted uncomfortably in his seat as the Tigers seemingly found ways to turn over the ball against a plucky Carlton, only days after labelling July a make-or-break month.
While it wasn’t pretty, the Tigers did what they have sometimes struggled to achieve in recent years, mustering enough of a third-term charge to keep valuable momentum throughout the toughest part of the season.
As has often been the case this season, it was the Tigers guns that delivered after the main change as Alex Rance starred in defence and Trent Cotchin, Brandon Ellis, Shaun Grigg, Brett Deledio and Dustin Martin all fired in the 30point win over the Blues at the MCG.
Although the first half bor- dered on putrid at times, the Tigers have now won seven of their last eight games to join fourth-placed Hawthorn on 36 points, leapfrogging Collingwood.
They play St Kilda next week, before more testing contests against Fremantle, Hawthorn and Adelaide away, that could determine whether they can snaffle a double chance this finals series.
But an ankle injury threatens to sidelined in-form midfielder Shane Edwards for a month or more after he finished the night on crutches.
Big man Tyrone Vickery will also likely attract match review panel scrutiny after a head clash with Michael Jamison as Vickery steamrolled the Blues’ defender with a heavy hip and shoulder.
The Blues were persistent and brave for much of the night but lacked the class and execution in the forward half. They finished with only five goals, and more reason to go and get a blue-chip young key forward, with Rance totally dominating his match-up on Lachie Henderson.
Tiger wingman Grigg was influential in Richmond’s third-term blitz, first landing a 50m set shot before making a desperate save on the boundary line in the forward pocket to help set up a cool Cotchin snap.
Jack Riewoldt followed suit, reeling in a brilliant high mark on Carlton defender Simon White to goal from point blank range, before nailing his third from 40m and the Tigers final- ly had some breathing space.
The Tigers led by 10 points at half time after captain Cotchin out-marked Chris Yarran deep forward and snuck through a 30m set shot after skewing an earlier attempt 10m closer.
Likewise, ex-Dog Jason Tutt missed one for Carlton from 20m straight out in front only moments earlier, again wasting the momentum Carlton had built throughout the early stages.
“It is dysfunctional at either of the ground.” Garry Lyon said on Triple M.
“This is a clinic in stuffing up going forward”.