RICHMOND 6.4 10.10 17.16 22.18 (150)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 2.3 6.4 12.5 12.8 (80)
Richmond have ended the Western Bulldog’s six year wining streak between the two clubs in emphatic fashion, belting the Dogs by 70 points.
The win will be especially satisfying for the Tigers as they were able to hold off a comeback by the Bulldogs, something they have failed to produce against multiple clubs in recent months.
After allowing the Western Bulldogs to get within one goal in the third quarter the Tigers stepped up a gear an pulled away as easy winners.
The barometer for the change in control was Trent Cotchin, who was superb. Cotchin was far an away the best player on the ground and was looking like one of the best in the competition.
Trent Cotchin was stunning with 35 disposals
His 35 disposals and seven clearances were first class while his three goals were icing on the cake for both himself and Richmond. Shane Edwards may have been BOG on any other day, with four goals from eight scoring shots he played the perfect small forwards game. Brett Deledio was also at his usual best with 31 touches.
As for the Bulldogs outside of their brief period of resistance their contributors were few and far between. Matthew Boyd battled hard against the superior Richmond midfield while Tory Dickson continued his rise as one of the Dogs only forward options.
Before the game began the Wester Bulldogs were in trouble losing Ryan Griffen in the warm up and they came out as such. Richmond kicked the first five goals of the game and were in total control.
Jack Riewoldt kicked the first of the five and it was only late goals to Andrew Hooper and Daniel Giansiracusa that saved embarassment for the Dogs.
After Riewoldt kicked his third to open the second quarter the Western Bulldogs began to fight back. They kicked the next three goals making the most out of their own opportunities and Richmond’s mistakes.
It took a Jack King goal midway through the term to settle the Tigers and Grigg and Edwards to firm up their lead. Giansiracusa also kicked his second in between Tigers goals to keep the Dogs in touch.
After half time the Western Bulldogs came out intent on running Richmond down. They were able to get close kicking five of the first six goals to reduce the margin to six points.
The key to the Dog’s comeback was their clearance work and efficiency up forward. They had five centre clearances which led to five inside 50s which finished with five goals, Richmond couldn’t get their hands on the ball.
In previous games when Richmond reached this stage they usually let themselves be overrun. However this week they stood up. Grigg kicked his second to stop the Dog’s onslaught and then the game turned.
The Western Bulldogs had spent their tickets and the Tigers had their turn Riewoldt kicked his fourth among others while Cotchin added two more, his goal with 12 seconds left in the quarter demoralized the Dogs.
In the last it was all Richmond as they kicked the only five goals of the quarter. Edwards was finally rewarded as he kicked straight for his third and fourth goals while Riewoldt’s final goal in the finals seconds capped off a great win.
Votes
3) Trent Cotchin
2) Shane Edwards
1) Brett Deledio
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 5, Edwards 4, Cotchin 3, McGuane 3, Grigg 2, King 2, Martin, Nahas, Newman
Western Bulldogs: Giansiracusa 3, Skinner 2, Lake 2, Addison, Dickson, Hooper, Smith, Wallis
BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Edwards, Deledio, King, Martin, Riewoldt,
Western Bulldogs: Boyd, Dickson, Picken, Wallis, Lake, Murphy
INJURIES
Richmond: Griffen (back spasm) replaced in selected side by Fletcher Roberts
Western Bulldogs: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Jayden Post replaced by Brad Helbig in the fourth quarter
Western Bulldogs: Tom Campbell replaced by Fletcher Roberts in the third quarter
Official crowd: 28,286 at the MCG.
