This week’s game certainly had a lot less build up than the Carlton match the week before, which was good. I went to the game interested to see how some of the players who had been quiet the week before would go.
Before the match I was lucky enough to go into the rooms to see how the boys prepare for the game. Quite a few of the players were listening to music (Eye of The Tiger perhaps haha), getting themselves hyped. Cotchin came over and talked to some of the young boys that were watching, both of whom had number 9’s on their shirts and Cotchin-like haircuts. It was nice to see Cotch interacting with the supporters. Cat Stevens was also in the rooms having a chat with Houli. It was interesting to see the different ways people prepare themselves mentally for the game. Some of the boys warmed up solo, headphones on. Others were kicking the ball to each other and joking around.
After the boys went into their pregame meeting with Dimma, I headed up to my seat. Both teams did not start well, the first half of the match included some terrible kicking errors from both teams. Unfortunately Richmond did not make the most of their scoring opportunities, and Collingwood also had a lot of unsuccessful shots at goal from 50 meters out. We went in at half time 18 points down after a little bit of a scuffle. After half time, Collingwood started well with five goals in eight minutes. They came out looking like the Grand Final playing team of last year. Just shows you how quickly things can change. It was good to see that we again didn’t just go into our shells and let them walk all over us. I said last week that I noticed an attitude change and this week it was even more noticeable. From three quarter time when we were down by 41 points, we brought it back to only lose by 21. We won the last quarter and I think this is an excellent sign.
I don’t think I’ve ever been to a game where Jack hasn’t kicked a goal. It was good to see Miller step up and kick 4 to make up for Jack’s quiet game. I think Cotchin played really well and gave it his best up against Collingwood’s elite midfield. He’s so enjoyable to watch using the ball so well and making good decisions. Rance did fairly well on Cloke as well. I thought Morris had another good game, getting involved in the play and putting his body on the line. I was also impressed with Ivan Maric’s efforts again this week, I’m glad he had that mullet to cushion his fall cause that looked painful! Conca kicked his first goal for Richmond and hopefully there will be many more this year. We definitely need our midfielders to kick goals for us.
This week’s game is against Melbourne, a team who has had so many things go against them it’s almost unbelievable. After two terrible weeks, they will be desperate for a win. Looking at our recent match-ups, they will think they are a chance. I’d like to see a better game from both the forward line and the backline. With Coburg playing well and a number of players pressing for a spot on the Richmond team, players who have had a quiet game will have to step it up to maintain a position in the team.
Hopefully Addam Maric can come back in to replace King, who will be out for up to six weeks unfortunately. I personally would like to see Webberley, Dea and Derickx get a go in the side soon, as all of these players have been playing well for Coburg. The game against Melbourne is a must win for us, so lets all get along to the ‘G on Saturday afternoon feeling confident we can beat a downtrodden Demon team.
As always, Go Tigers! Meg.
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