Richmond 9.12.66 def by Essendon 21.13.139
The VFL Tigers have tasted defeat for the first time this year, going down to Essendon in their final pre-season match at Punt Road Oval on Saturday.
Essendon came out of the gates with a strong first quarter, and despite the best efforts of the Tigers, the Bombers remained in control for the rest of the game.
Richmond VFL and Development Coach, Craig McRae, said there were positive signs out of his VFL-listed players who had the opportunity to step up in preparation for the opening round of the home-and-away season.
"Going into the game, we wanted to give some guys an opportunity, and it was good to see some of our VFL guys step up", McRae said.
"Billy Coates, for example, had a great game in the back line.
"We exposed some guys to VFL footy, and hopefully it will hold us in good stead".
The day started well for the VFL Tigers, with Connor Menadue slotting the first goal of the day with a composed set shot from 35 metres out.
However, the travellers fought back to control proceedings by the first break, opening up a 36-point lead.
Steven Morris was outstanding in his second competitive game of the year, getting 10 disposals in the first quarter and applying his trademark pressure to every contest.
Taylor Hunt fought valiantly, gathering nine disposals and working tirelessly around the ground, while Oleg Markov also stood out with six disposals and two tackles.
Though it took a while for the VFL Tigers to get up-and-running in the second stanza, Tyson Stengle crumbed well for his first goal of the day.
Jayden Cass then followed suit with a classy effort on the run, before Essendon won a quick clearance and answered back with a goal of their own.
Captain Sam Darley led by example, collecting 12 touches by the half and taking three marks in the process.
Eventually, the VFL Tigers' persistence payed dividends, with Callum Moore slotting two quick-fire goals to halt the Bombers in their tracks.
Moore first made the most of a free kick 25 metres out, before nailing his second after bursting from the pack and snapping cleverly from long range.
Facing a 39-point deficit at the main break, the VFL Tigers continued to throw everything at the contest, but were ultimately unable to catch the Bombers as the wind picked up speed at Punt Road.
With the scoring slowing due to the blustery conditions, the Tigers pushed hard for a way back into the contest, and had a glimmer of hope when James Fletcher kicked truly from 35 metres out halfway through the third term.
However, the Bombers were in fine fettle, with Jackson Merrett and James Stewart both scoring five goals to put daylight between the sides at the final change.
Nonetheless, the VFL Tigers continued to fight until the siren, with Billy Coates' two strong contested marks a particular highlight for the onlooking Tiger faithful.
Anthony Miles capped off an industrious performance with a goal at the start of the fourth quarter to go with his 21 touches - 13 of which were contested.
Max O'Sullivan then crumbed well to add another major to the scoreline, before Essendon grabbed two more goals to finish the contest.
With their final practise match complete, the VFL Tigers can now look to the opening round of the home and away season next week, when they host North Ballarat at Punt Road.
The match will commence at midday on Sunday, April 26.
