Gibcus on track for early debut as Stengle shows promise for Cats
Richmond defeated an inaccurate Geelong in the first four quarters of their practice match at GMHBA Stadium as Tom Lynch and Dustin Martin made successful returns from minor niggles and the Cats’ Tyson Stengle showed he will be a valuable acquisition with four goals.
Cats defender Tom Stewart also made a successful return in his first match back from the foot injury that kept him sidelined during last year’s finals series, showing he had lost none of his dash or spring as he cleaned up in defence.
Dustin Martin was back in action for the Tigers on Saturday against Geelong.
The Cats had seven more scoring shots than Richmond but lost by 18 points before both teams shook hands, with the senior group replaced by each club’s VFL line-ups for two more 30-minute periods of play before workers moved in to set up for the Foo Fighters concert.
Cats assistant James Kelly said Stengle, who has kicked 15 goals in 16 games with Richmond and Adelaide, had not put a foot wrong since he joined Geelong, and he expected him to prove a hard match up because of his ability on the ground and in the air.
He said he would be particularly important when the team played three talls because of his ability to “make something out of nothing”.
Shai Bolton was outstanding for the Tigers, while Jeremy Cameron and Tom Hawkins showed they will once again be a dangerous combination inside 50. It was a good test for Tigers defenders Robbie Tarrant and Josh Gibcus, with Tarrant battling at times as he eases his way into a new system after crossing from North Melbourne.
Tyson Stengle kicked four goals for the Cats.
Martin was good when near the action, feeding off Tigers co-captain Toby Nankervis and Ivan Soldo who gave Rhys Stanley a workout in the ruck.
Patrick Dangerfield was quiet as he tuned up for another season in familiar fashion with the Cats exposing Max Holmes and Shaun Higgins in the centre with Mitch Duncan and Sam Menegola missing and Joel Selwood starting forward on occasions.
Richmond were penalised at one stage for dissent after claiming a kick for goal by Jed Bews had been touched with either Jack Riewoldt or Nathan Broad the culprit. It shapes as an interesting factor this season as the AFL cracks down on players disputing decisions in a demonstrative manner.
Richmond assistant coach Xavier Clarke said players would need to be disciplined with the Tigers supporting any initiative that ensures umpires are shown respect. “We just have to mindful of it ... bite our tongue and get on with the game,” Clarke said.
The only injury concern came in the VFL match when Cooper Stephens left the ground to have his ankle – which gave him trouble in 2021 – assessed. Stephens had shown a fondness for the contest in the final quarter of the AFL match, with one stoppage clearance exceptional. Kelly was uncertain as to the extent of the injury but said Stephens just needed game time because he was going to be a good player.
THE NEW KIDS
Gibcus looks poised to play in round one after getting the job on Cameron. Cameron had his measure but Gibcus would have benefitted from the experience and showed how his clean hands and leap will be an asset. “[Josh’s] been really impressive. He has trained really well and competing against the big guys at training, but it is good to see him against a quality forward,” Clarke said. “He will learn a lot from today. He is only going to grow as he is a competitor who loves the contest. If he continues trending the way he is then I think we will see him pretty early in the year.”
Geelong are also blooding De Koning in defence, with the youngster battling against Tom Lynch. De Koning is athletic and big enough to hold down a key position so should be given time to develop. Both sides played youngsters after three-quarter time in the main match, with Shannon Neale’s high leaping a standout for Geelong and Tom Brown showing ability for the Tigers.
Patrick Dangerfield.
THE COACHES’ BOX
Selwood is starting across half-forward before drifting into the midfield while the Cats expose more players in the middle. Kelly said it was unfair to keep asking the skipper to batter himself all season in the middle. “We know what he can do around the ball ... so if we get through the next game and have a bit of look and Joel feels like he is comfortable and he has a few strings to his bow rather than just being in every centre bounce that is a good thing for Joel and a good thing for us,” Kelly said. Dangerfield spent time forward without having a major impact, with the Cats’ structure familiar. Richmond’s Ralphsmith will replace Bachar Houli across half-back. The Tigers have pushed Noah Balta forward where he will take time to find consistency but will be a threatening presence as he develops. ”He is learning his craft,” Clarke said. Soldo is also a handy addition in the ruck to work in tandem with Nankervis, meaning Pickett can avoid being required for hit-outs.
WHO STOOD OUT
Stengle was the most dynamic Cat on the ground in the first three stanzas, kicking four goals and being a lively presence as a small forward inside 50. Higgins also shone early in the midfield after a frustrating first season at the Cats in 2021, while Zach Guthrie is ready to cement a spot in defence. Lynch has recovered from his hamstring injury and played well as did Martin, who enjoyed the blow-out after missing the end of last season. Bolton was among the Tigers’ best.
WHO’S MISSING
Mitch Duncan remains doubtful for round one as he battles a calf injury, while Jack Henry, Sam Menegola and Jonathon Ceglar are yet to appear this season for the Cats, but they remain chances to be available for selection against the Suns. The Tigers rested Trent Cotchin, Dan Rioli and Dylan Grimes missed after contracting COVID-19, while Jack Graham (hamstring) and Kane Lambert (hip) remain doubtful for round one.
WHAT’S NEXT
Saturday, March 5: Hawthorn v Richmond, Devonport Oval 1.10pm
Monday, March 7: Gold Coast v Geelong, Metricon Stadium 6.40pm
Gibcus on track for early debut as Stengle shows promise for Cats
Both Richmond and Geelong hope to be contenders in September so they will be relieved to see their stars return injury free in February.
