A lazy Sunday afternoon at the G watching the Tigers smash the Eagles is definitely my cup of tea. Richmond supporters everywhere would have been proud of this performance. The 30,000 Tiger crowd felt more like 50,000 everytime Jack Reiwoldt and Dustin Martin had the ball. They both were the architects of dismantling the Eagles along with Delideo. Jack’s 10 goals was a great individual effort, and his strength in the marking contests and straight kicking gave the side reward for effort up the ground. Martin had 14 disposals in one quarter of football and setup the win with multiple clearances from the centre. His strength through his hips and balance on both sides of his body is extroadinary for a first year player. He definitely is in the Robert Harvey mould. I personally think he will go close in the rising star award this season. The atmosphere of the crowd was terrific and I got a real sense that the Richmond faithful walked away from the win excited about the future with our emerging stars in Reiwoldt and Martin. I asked before the season started who would be the new face of Tigerland. Well this weekend we have our answer. Jack Reiwoldt.
Other players who deserve a mention are Shane Edwards who had probably the best game I have seen him play. Edward used the ball well, making sound decisions and set up Jack on a number of occasions. Delideo behind the ball in the backline has been a great move from Hardwick and our Graham, Vickery combo in the Ruck did fine jobs on Cox and Natanui.
There is a lot to like about our improving side. Particularly our centre line in Cotchin, Martin, Jackson and Tuck. Add Foley to the mix and with another full preseason for each of them I think we have an exciting mix who win their own contested ball. Jack needs support in the forward line and I hope Ben Griffiths and David Astbury can stand up and play a supporting role this week against the Lions.
The challenge is to back up last week’s win with a solid win interstate against a top 8 fancy. We haven’t won two games in a row for a long time and with the Lions looking depleted this week may be our week.
Tigers by 17 points.
Bree McAullay
Secretary Sydney tigers Supporters group