TIGERS FACING MRO TROUBLE
A COUPLE of star Tigers could find themselves in match review trouble as Richmond continued its resurgence with a hard-fought 23point victory over a fast-finishing Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday.
Tom Lynch was one of Richmond’s best players with a game-high four goals, but he could be in trouble after collecting Jarman Impey in the face as the Hawk tackled him on the wing in the third quarter. The hit left Impey with blood streaming from a cut above his right eye.
And Marlion Pickett might also be in hot water for a big hit on Dylan Moore, which forced the young Hawk to be concussion-tested in the second quarter. Moore was able to continue playing.
The teams suffered significant injuries, too. Hawthorn star Jack Gunston was subbed out in the second term after injuring his ankle
in a marking contest on the quartertime siren. Gunston tried to play on, but succumbed before time-on.
Meanwhile, Richmond defender Noah Balta was subbed out at threequarter time after injuring his hamstring.
The Tigers fought back from 25 points down early in the second quarter to execute an impressive 48-point turnaround and finish up 17.15 (117) to 14.10 (94) winners, after leading by 35 points in the final term.
To Hawthorn’s credit, it refused to give in and kicked four goals in a row to get back within 10 points with about two minutes to go.
However, Richmond goalsneak Jason Castagna produced the match-winning play when he smothered Denver Graingar-Barras’ rebounding kick, collected the crumbs and eventually snapped truly from the pocket.
The result sees the Tigers maintain their foothold inside the top eight, and it is also the first time they have won three games in a row since they strung together five victories on the trot from the 2020 semi-final to round 2 last year.
As for the Hawks, their honeymoon period under new coach Sam Mitchell is well and truly over. After starting the year 3-2, Hawthorn have lost four straight.