Anthony Miles starred in yet another impressive performance, but wasn’t enough to clinch a win for the VFL Tigers, drawing with Frankston in today’s ANZAC Day match.
Perfect football conditions at Frankston Oval saw Richmond start well, with Ryan Bathie open the Tigers’ scoring account and Aaron Edwards making a successful return from minor knee injury, with a snap goal early in the first term.
The Tigers piled on six goals to one in the first quarter, the side found ways to stop Frankston’s run through the centre of the ground, and the backline worked tirelessly.
After a good half of football, Richmond’s early dominance started to weaken as Frankston kicked four unanswered goals in the third term, before the Tigers managed to convert two for themselves from senior players Ty Vickery and Aaron Edwards.
The last quarter mirrored the third, as Frankston started fast, piling on goals with Richmond unable to halt their momentum, and the final result coming right down to the dying moments of the game.
Miles again was prolific around the contests, finishing with an equal game-high 30 disposals, 13 clearances and six marks. The 21-year-old’s ball-winning efforts, great vision and composure were key components to the Tigers’ impressive performance early, and helped the team stay in the game in the dying minutes.
The midfielder managed to duck and weave through traffic late in the fourth quarter to find Ryan Bathie on the lead in the Tigers’ forward-50, who marked and converted a much-needed goal. Miles was awarded the game’s ANZAC Day Medal, for the best-on-ground player for the away team.
Key forward Liam McBean was also dangerous early, leading hard, taking several grabs and working well at ground level.
McBean worked hard for his three goals, including a classy snap from the forward pocket and a crumbing effort 15m from goal in the second term.
Aaron Edwards moved well all game, unhindered by his recent injured knee injury, as he kicked two snap goals – one from the pocket, and picked up 26 disposals and seven marks. Edwards played both up forward and in a defensive role during the game.
Ty Vickery worked hard all game, playing all key positions at certain stages of the match, taking a big goal-saving mark on the goal line, deep in Frankston’s forward line in the second quarter. His first of three goals didn’t come until the third quarter, but it was much needed after Frankston kicked four unanswered goals in the third term.
His next two majors also came at crucial moments, during Frankston’s surging comeback in the fourth quarter.
Young Tiger Ben Lennon also displayed a solid performance, playing with intensity across half-back. Lennon racked up 18 disposals and seven marks, but showed his intent and defensive pressure with good spoiling efforts.
Defender Ben Darrou was outstanding in the backline, picking up 21 disposals and taking seven marks.
VFL listed players Nathan Batsanis, Ross Young and Luke Conca were also impressive during the game.
Batsanis finished with 30 disposals, seven marks and six tackles, while captain Ross Young led by example picking up 28 disposals and laying five tackles.
Conca was in-and-under contests all game, providing plenty of defensive pressure and finished with 17 touches.
RICHMOND: 6.4 10.8 12.11 14.15 99
FRANKSTON: 1.1 4.5 8.7 15.9 99
Goals: Bathie 3, McBean 3, Vickery 3, A. Edwards 2, Banfield, Elton, Stephenson
Best: Miles, Batsanis, A.Edwards, Darrou, Young, Conca
