In a thrilling AFL match played on a bitterly cold Saturday afternoon at the MCG, Richmond snapped their five-match losing streak with a resounding 46-point win over an injury-ravaged West Coast. The Tigers’ brilliant burst in the third quarter was led by Dion Prestia, who kicked three goals in just five minutes, helping his team break open a dour contest.
Prestia’s three majors equalled his career-high tally for the 199-game midfielder, and he was ably supported by fellow star Shai Bolton, who finished with three goals and season-highs for disposals, tackles, clearances, and contested possessions.
Richmond’s midfield recruits, Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, were also instrumental in the Tigers’ triumph, combining for 20 clearances and three goals between them. Taranto finished with 30 disposals, 10 clearances, and two goals, while Hopper racked up 32 disposals, 10 clearances, and one goal.
West Coast’s woes continued, with young midfielder Jai Culley going down with a knee injury just 12 minutes into the match. The 20-year-old, an AFL Rising Star nominee playing his ninth senior game, hobbled off with help from trainers and was substituted out minutes later. Culley and coach Adam Simpson were both emotional at the quarter-time huddle.
Despite the loss, West Coast’s Tim Kelly and Dom Sheed put in a valiant effort, with Kelly amassing 29 disposals and nine clearances, and Sheed finishing with 29 disposals and nine clearances. Jamaine Jones also had a career-high 30 disposals.
The visitors won clearances (45-37) but were beaten in contested possession (153-130) and smashed in inside 50s (65-43).
West Coast kicked the first two goals of a scrappy opening term, before Culley’s injury disrupted their momentum. Richmond kept their noses in front until midway through the second quarter when a Bolton mark and goal gave them the lead for the first time.
Inaccuracy prevented a bigger margin than the Tigers’ nine-point buffer at the main break after they dominated inside 50s (20-8) and kicked 4.6 to 2.2 in the second term.
Two goals from West Coast’s Oscar Allen to start the second half and another from the quiet Jack Darling briefly put the Eagles back in front. However, a quick reply from Bolton and Prestia’s scintillating burst wrested momentum before the final change, and the Tigers coasted home.
Richmond forward Noah Cumberland was substituted out of the match during the third quarter with just two disposals to his name.
Overall, it was a much-needed win for Richmond, who hadn’t tasted victory since round two. The Tigers will hope to build on this momentum as they look to salvage their season.
For West Coast, it was another disappointing result in a season that has been marred by injuries. The Eagles will be hoping for some respite in the injury department as they look to turn their fortunes around.
The Tigers’ decision to bring in Taranto and Hopper from Greater Western Sydney has been much talked about, but the duo has impressed in their short time at Richmond. With the likes of Prestia, Bolton, and Taranto in their ranks, the Tigers will be a force to be reckoned with as the season progresses.
As for West Coast, they will need to regroup quickly if they are to salvage their season. With several key players still on the sidelines, it won’t be an easy task, but the Eagles have shown in the past that they are capable of bouncing back from adversity.
