Melbourne’s Ahead Woes
Daniel Turner wouldn’t have been excessive up the record of game-breakers for the Demons, however when his staff wanted a spark, the 22-year-old was the unlikely firestarter.
Turner booted two of his three objectives within the third time period, giving the Dees much-needed respiration area in opposition to the dogged Tigers, who had been admirable in defeat.
It speaks volumes of the Dees’ woes in assault {that a} participant recruited from a mid-season rookie draft (in 2021) as a defender ought to be wanted to play such a task on the different finish of the bottom.
Their entries inside 50 had been horrendous within the first half, each bit as dangerous as they had been late final 12 months when their quest for a second flag in three seasons was cruelled by an impotent ahead line.
Take this for a pattern from the second time period. From a free kick within the centre sq., Christian Petracca held the ball to permit Richmond to arrange defensively then dumped it lengthy and excessive, asking Max Gawn to outmark the complete Tigers defence.
The Demons would have labored all summer time on bettering what coaches now name the “connection piece” centre ahead however on the proof thus far they don’t seem to be making deep inroads.
If they’re to be the contender they need to be this 12 months, they should repair it shortly.
Tiger Tenacity
As dejected as Richmond followers might be with a 1-6 file, they need to not have left the MCG with out hope. Their aspect put up a substantial combat solely to be overwhelmed by a much more skilled aspect nonetheless with their premiership window broad open.
At instances like this, supporters of rebuilding golf equipment have to search for glimpses from their kids.
Maurice Rioli has taken a step ahead this 12 months. He seems to be fitter and able to sustaining his bursts for longer. When he’s close to the ball, good issues occur for the Tigers. He booted two objectives together with his 14 possessions and laid 4 tackles.
Mykelti Lefau is a competitor. He was not daunted in his quick stints within the ruck in opposition to Max Gawn, and hit the bottom balls onerous. He’s value extra funding in by Adem Yze.
Thomson Dow held his personal within the midfield. With the Tigers’ finest onballers injured, Dow will get his probability this season to show he’s as much as the extent.
Hopper Hobbled
There is no such thing as a respite on the harm entrance for the Tigers, who look set to be with out one other of their beginning midfielders for the following few weeks.
Already with out Tim Taranto and Dion Prestia, the Tigers have misplaced Jacob Hopper to a hamstring harm sustained within the third quarter. Getting back from a knee harm, Hopper lower a dejected determine as he left the sector. He was subbed out moments later.
At his finest, Hopper is a troublesome clearance winner, however he has not had a good run at it since leaving Larger Western Sydney on the finish of 2022.
Prior to now three seasons, he has performed simply 26 of a attainable 52 video games.