What a fantastic way to open the wins column for season 2012.
We haven’t been able to sing the best club song in the AFL this early in a season since Round 1, 2008 when we defeated Carlton by five goals.
While it was only against a Melbourne side who seem to be in the same position we were in two years ago, the fashion in which we did it was great to watch.
Overall, I think the most promising sign of our opening three matches is that a few of our stars are yet to put their stamp on a game.
Two years ago we were called a one man team with Jack Riewoldt often single-handedly keeping us in matches with his goal-kicking, but so far this year he has been well held and struggled to have an impact.
The fact that on the weekend he kicked just one goal, yet we were still able to win by around ten goals with a spread of 13 different goal kickers, obviously shows the club has many different avenues to goal now.
What makes the goal spread even more meaningful is that Tyrone Vickery has kicked just two goals in the opening three matches, after having a breakout season last year. He has looked a little lost in the air at times this season so hopefully his touch returns against the Cats as we really need him to recapture his 2011 form.
The final player who is yet to really stamp his authority on a game is Dustin Martin. He had an incredible pre-season and I’m sure we were all mouth-watering at the thought of Dusty’s 2012 campaign.
While he certainly hasn’t been shocking, he’s probably not playing as well as what he was last year which could be due to the increased attention he has no doubt gotten. We are still seeing glimpses of his exciting play however, none more so than his break away at the stoppage and goal from inside the centre square last week.
So the main point here is that we are not yet playing to our full potential, but still playing competitive football which is no doubt a great sign that our young group is beginning to mature.
Dylan Grimes is certainly one of those players whose rapid improvement has been key to Richmond’s stronger defence this season. The ‘Iron Fist’ as he has been more affectionately known has added an offensive aspect to his game now, averaging 16 disposals and actually going for his marks now rather than going the spoil.
His Rising Star nomination earlier in the week was very much deserved and although it’s early days, it seems he and Rance have locked themselves into our key defensive posts for the next 8+ years.
This week’s game against Geelong at Simonds Stadium will give us all more of an indication of where exactly we are at. During the pre-season we touched them up by quite a bit but it would be foolish to suggest that this week will come as easy as that.
With the Geelong defence still missing Matthew Scarlett due to suspension, it means a great chunk of their run and drive will be missing which is something we must capitalise on. If we can lock the ball inside our own 50 and create more opportunities on goal, we will be every chance to provide an upset.
Go Tiges!
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