Richmond’s VFL coach Tim Clarke provides an exclusive form summary of the Tigers’ AFL-listed players who appeared in last Saturday’s narrow loss to Footscray at the ME Centre’s Punt Road Oval.
Kane Lambert
28 disposals, eight clearances, seven inside 50s, one goal
Produced a terrific three-quarter performance. Came on after quarter-time due to management of an injury that had sidelined him for a couple of months. Had nearly 30 disposals, including seven inside 50s and four shots for goal. He gave us something our team has lacked for a little while – run and carry around the stoppages and plenty of energy.
Matt McDonough
28 disposals, five clearances, three goals
Had his best game for several weeks. Won a lot of ball and also impacted the scoreboard. If he can play like this on a consistent basis, he’s going to be pushing hard for senior selection. It’s the standard that he needs to be at.
Matt Thomas
24 disposals, five clearances, nine tackles
Was very good after a quiet first quarter. Really got going and gave us plenty of grunt inside. Led the way for us with his strong tackling. We need his intensity around the ball for us to be a competitive side.
Matt Dea
21 disposals, nine marks
Keeps on ticking all the boxes playing in defence. Just gets the job done. Several of the nine marks he took were important interceptions from opposition kicks. Continues to help set us up offensively, which has been a key focus of his. Is pressing strongly for senior selection.
Nathan Gordon
21 disposals, five clearances, one goal
Played a different role through the wings and up forward. Has been a consistent performer over the past three weeks and we know that if the senior team needs his services, he’s ready to go.
Ben Lennon
20 disposals, two goals
Also had a different role, playing across the wings, with some patches at half- forward. Was quite consistent throughout, but we’d still like him to get more of the ball because every time he gets his hands on the footy, something positive happens for the team. Kicking two goals from the wing was a good return from him.
Sam Lloyd
19 disposals, 10 marks, two goals
Again was a dominant forward for us. Plays small, plays tall, and wins critical contests. It’s something that is highlighted when you look at the marking ‘stats’, which indicate he took four contested marks.
Chris Newman
19 disposals, five marks
Was a good performer for us across half-back in his second game back from injury. Used the ball well and helped our backline set up. His experience and composure has been really valuable for our young, inexperienced team.
Matt Arnot
15 disposals, four tackles
Had a different role across half-back and seemed to relish the change. Helped to set us up offensively, but also did a good job in nullifying the small Footscray forwards.
Liam McBean
13 disposals, 16 hit outs, one goal
Started in his customary forward role and then provided us with something when he went into the ruck in the second half. Was quite competitive against the strong Footscray rucking combination of Campbell and Cordy. Also hit the scoreboard a couple of times, so it seems like it’s a good role for him.
Reece McKenzie
Eight disposals
Played one of his best games of the season. Took only one mark, but had 10-15 contests where he brought the ball to ground. That’s the expectation we have of our forwards . . . if they can’t mark the ball, then they’re to at least provide us with a contest. Really pleased with how he’s been performing and his development as a key forward.
Jayden Short
Eight disposals
Was well below the standard we’ve come to expect from him, in what was a really tough game for small forwards, with none of our boys able to have an impact. We need him to bring more tackling pressure and greater intensity around the contest.
Richmond VFL are in action this Saturday June 27 from 12pm at the ME Centre, Punt Road Oval when they host Williamstown
