There is a quirky fact that is front and square in a quarter-by-quarter analysis of Richmond’s 2021 season up to the mid-year bye.
In eight of the Tigers’ 13 games so far, the team leading at quarter-time has ending up losing.
Richmond has led in four and trailed in four of those games. And, adding to this peculiarity, there has been a distinct sequence involved.
The Tigers lost in Round 4, Round 6, Round 8 and Round 10 after leading at quarter-time. But they won in Round 5, Round 7, Round 9 and Round 11 after being behind at the first break.
Here are the details of those opening quarters . . .
Round 4 v Port Adelaide, Adelaide Oval: Led by five points at quarter time – 4.2 (26) to 3.3 (21). Lost by two points – 11.11 (77) to 11.13 (79).
Round 5 v St Kilda, Marvel Stadium: Trailed by one point at quarter-time – 3.3 (21) to 3.4 (22). Won by 86 points – 20.14 (134) to 7.6 (48).
Round 6 v Melbourne, MCG: Led by seven points at quarter-time – 3.3 (21) to 2.2 (14). Lost by 34 points – 6.12 (48) to 12.10 (82).
Round 7 v Western Bulldogs, MCG: Trailed by 14 points at quarter-time – 1.4 (10) to 3.6 (24). Won by 22 points – 11.11 (77) to 7.13 (55).
Round 8 v Geelong, MCG: Led by 18 points at quarter-time – 4.3 (27) to 1.3 (9). Lost by 63 points – 9.9 (63) to 19.12 (126).
Round 9 v Greater Western Sydney, Marvel Stadium: Trailed by nine points at quarter-time – 3.0 (18) to 4.3 (27). Won by four points – 13.9 (87) to 12.11 (83).
Round 10 v Brisbane, Gabba: Led by eight points at quarter-time – 5.1 (31) to 3.5 (23). Lost by 28 points – 11.8 (74) to 15.12 (102).
Round 11 v Adelaide, Giants Stadium: Trailed by 20 points at quarter-time – 3.1 (19) to 6.3 (39). Won by 28 points – 17.9 (111) to 12.11 (83).
All-up, Richmond has won seven first quarters this season, making it the team’s second most successful term.
Fourth quarters have been the Tigers’ best so far in 2021. They have won eight of their 13 last quarters.
In terms of second quarters, it has been six wins, seven losses, with six wins, a draw and six losses for third quarters.
