Richmond’s VFL side unfortunately saved its best for last, as a six-goal-to-one final term was not enough to overcome Collingwood, with the Magpies saluting by 26 points at Victoria Park.
The Tigers struggled to gain any fluency, or get the game played on their terms for the majority, as the Magpies ran out winners, 14.12 (96) to 10.10 (70).
Ivan Maric withdrew from the match as insurance following Shaun Hampson’s injury and the Tigers struggled to gain first use at the stoppages as a result.
A more seasoned Collingwood outfit won the midfield battle early on, and during a highly contested opening term, the Magpies banged on the first four of the match.
Turnovers proved costly throughout the first quarter, as Collingwood talls Lachlan Howe, Jarrod Witts and Corey Gault proved dominant.
The Magpies pressured, constricted, harassed and created turnovers as Richmond struggled to absorb that pressure.
Collingwood stifled Richmond’s ball movement, as the Tigers endeavoured to gain fluency between the arcs and ignite meaningful chains of possession.
Richmond had to wait until time-on in the first quarter to register its first major, as Adam Marcon swooped on an errant Magpie kick-in and slotted his first of two for the day.
The Tigers were -11 inside 50s and -14 uncontested marks in the opening term, but they arrested the ascendency at the clinches to be +6 clearances at the first change.
At the quarter-time break, senior coach Craig McRae implored his charges to start implementing the plans put in place pre-game.
Richmond heeded the words of McRae as Mabior Chol’s defensive 50 tackle resulted in the opening goal to Tiger swingman Callum Moore.
Unfortunately for Chol, moments later, as he tracked the ball deep in his defensive half, a shonky bounce opened the door and allowed the Magpies to hit right back.
Richmond responded immediately when bullocking on-baller Jacob Ballard dissected a duo of Magpie defenders, clunking a towering mark, and kicked truly, cutting the margin to seven points.
That’s as close as the Tigers would get, as turnovers between the arcs handed the Magpies a trio of goals to end the quarter and equated to a 36-point Richmond deficit at the main change.
VFL Round 12: Castagna highlights
McRae reiterated at half-time that the Tigers were still in the game but they needed to start playing for each other.
Collingwood started the third term with greater hunger and vigour and slotted three goals on the trot as, once again, turnovers costed the Tigers dearly.
The Magpies streaked to a 53-point lead, and the Tigers’ were left reeling.
Liam McBean breathed life into his side as he swooped on a loose ball inside 50 and watched his snap sail through.
However, as it had done for most of the day, Collingwood hit back and took a game-high 56-point lead into the final change.
McRae demanded his side fight out the final term, convey strength and leave Victoria Park proud.
In what could be a key moment in their development, the Tigers responded as they stormed home with a wet sail in the final term.
Ballard was a worthy recipient of some economical ball movement through the corridor as he kick-started a flurry of majors for the Tigers.
Goals to Dan Butler, Marcon, Tom Silvestro, Ryan Bathie and Callum Moore saw them win the final term by 30 points in an encouraging display.
After the match, McRae sternly reminded the Tigers what they’re capable of if they stick to what they know, work for each other and remain hungry.
Stats wise, the Magpies dominated key areas +101 disposals, +41 uncontested marks and +43 handball receives.
Richmond garnered serviceable contributions from Jacob Ballard (25 disposals), Sam Darley (26 disposals), Adam Marcon (23 disposals and two goals) and Jason Castagna (21 disposals).
Richmond will look to test itself against ladder-leaders Casey at 2:10pm on Sunday, July 3 at Punt Road Oval.
