A Cold Winter’s (Richmondy) Tale

Getty Images Sport | Quinn Rooney

Looking for a 16th successive victory at the home of football and there was a sense during this game that it wasn’t unlike that glorious month of September 2017 when the Tigers took all before them.

There were passages of play reminiscent of that September too, none more so than where we pushed and prodded and kicked off the ground a ball from the half back flank to deep in our forward line. The end result a Rioli goal as a consequence of another tackle – his 8th for the day and a reminder of what he brings to our team. The 3 amigos were reunited and it showed as Butler, Castagna and Rioli were busy all day and combined for 5 goals. In a low scoring contest this was crucial to our chances of victory.

Getty Images Sport  | Quinn Rooney

More reminders from Sept ’17: A forward line that is undersized in height and oversized in effort, lead so well by Jack R. A defence, including debutant Garthwaite, that combine so effectively, and a midfield that is as good as any going around collectively. This is the essence of team.

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We lost most of the key statistics except the one that really matters, the scoreboard. Smashed out of the centre, smashed on inside 50 count, and also in clearances but at the end of the day we were that better team, prepared and able to meet all challenges and challengers.

Individually, Selwood is a good player (despite getting soft free kicks continually), Ablett is a proven star as is Dangerfield, but our six midfielders were better. No real need for comparing us to Geelong stars after a win like that, just take the result and move on to the next challenge.

Did I say it was freezing at the ‘G?

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Getty Images | Sport Adam Trafford/AFL Media

Votes
5: Nick Vlastuin
4: Alex Rance
3: Shane Edwards
2: Kane Lambert
1: Dylan Grimes

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