RICHMOND won't be easing into its premiership defence, with the Tigers finely tuned after a finishing their pre-season with a 70-point win against North Melbourne at Ikon Park on Wednesday night.
After a dominant performance against Essendon to open the JLT Community Series, Richmond backed up with a polished 19.14 (128) to 8.10 (58) win against the disappointing Kangaroos, who end their pre-season without a win.
The premiers were fearsome at times, forcing turnovers with their relentless pressure and then queuing up the other way, with 12 separate goalkickers in an even performance that will leave Damien Hardwick with selection headaches.
One decision that looks all but settled is Shai Bolton as Daniel Rioli's replacement in the season opener against Carlton on March 22, with the small forward lively again with 15 possessions and 1.3 after booting three goals against the Bombers.
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While the small forward line is likely to stay intact, the Tigers would have been pleased with a second half cameo from young key Callum Moore, who booted two goals and showed he could be an option as Jack Riewoldt's sidekick at times this year.
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Midfielder Kane Lambert also went forward and booted four goals, while Josh Caddy (two goals) hit the scoreboard in a dynamic performance that suggests the premiership Tiger could be a big improver in 2018.
Caddy rotated heavily through the midfield and finished with seven clearances from his 20 possessions (12 contested), running off the back of the square and drifting forward cleverly to be a key playmaker.
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Premiership ruckman Toby Nankervis returned after suffering concussion against the Bombers and was excellent in the middle before pushing forward in the second half, allowing Ivan Soldo to play on-ball.
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Club champion Shaun Higgins was excellent for the Kangaroos with 31 possessions and a goal, but he lacked assistance on a night that got worse for Brad Scott's team as the sun went down.
The Kangaroos repeatedly looked to move the ball through the corridor, but their kicking skills let them down time and again and the Tigers feasted on the resulting turnovers.
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WHAT WE LEARNED
Richmond: The premiers are becoming even more flexible. With Sam Lloyd in the midfield, Dan Butler lining up on a wing, Josh Caddy running off the back of the square, and Kane Lambert forward, opponents will be constantly reacting in 2018. Caddy was the star and Hardwick is excited about how he can use the former Geelong midfielder this year, with more time at centre bounces likely. It is likely that Shai Bolton will come into the team for round one after two impressive pre-season performances, but Lloyd is also making a case.
North Melbourne: The Kangaroos will play a courageous, corridor game this year, attacking from half-back, but they will pay a price for shoddy ball-use. Brad Scott is determined to instill a game style that will eventually beat the best, and his players repeatedly looked for difficult corridor options on Wednesday night. The resulting turnovers were the main reason the margin blew out to 70 points. Todd Goldstein and Brayden Preuss are unlikely to ruck together. The big men took one half each in a sign that it is one or the other for round one. On form, Goldstein is the man.
NEW FACES
Richmond: Callum Moore is the best option the Tigers have if they decide they need a second tall forward. The 21-year-old is still on the Tigers' rookie list, but he could be called up to replace Ben Griffiths on the senior list as soon as required. He booted 2.1 and impressed with his long kicking after coming on in the second half.
North Melbourne: Rookie defender Tom Murphy impressed in some contests, showing composure in a role across half-back. The 20-year-old played just under a half and didn't waste the ball when he had it. Prized draftee Luke Davies-Uniacke got another taste of senior football and was caught out by the speed of the game at times, but he worked his way into the contest and came out with 16 disposals.
Davies-Uniacke and Martin compete for the ball. Picture: AFL Photos
NEXT UP
The Tigers open the season against Carlton at the MCG on March 22 when they will unfurl their premiership flag. The Kangaroos travel to Cazalys Stadium to take on Gold Coast on March 24, with both teams likely to hold a match practice session before round one.
RICHMOND 3.4 8.6 13.10 19.14 (128)
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.3 4.7 7.8 8.10 (58)
GOALS
Richmond: Lambert 4, Moore 2, Riewoldt 2, Butler 2, Caddy 2, Castagna, Townsend, Bolton, Lloyd, McIntosh, Grigg, Cotchin
North Melbourne: Waite 2, Garner, Brown, Hrovat, Turner, Goldstein, Higgins
BEST
Richmond: Caddy, Lambert, Martin, Edwards, Nankervis, Butler, Cotchin
North Melbourne: Higgins, Ziebell, Macmillan, Cunnington
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Findlay, Nicholls, Gavine
Official crowd: 4,197 at Ikon Park
