1. Unlucky Paddy McCartin breaks his collarbone
He seems cursed but hopefully Paddy McCartin has used up a career's bad luck in his first two seasons. He looked set for a day out when he was awarded free kick for high contact after sliding into a contest with Tiger Nick Vlastuin. However, when he rose from the ground clutching his shoulder, it was clear he was injured. Tough as nails, he kicked the goal before leaving the field to be diagnosed with a broken collarbone. McCartin has suffered concussion and had hamstring injuries this season and is yet to string more than four consecutive senior games during his career.

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2. Richmond's first half was below AFL standard
At half-time the Tigers had kicked two goals – including a goalless second quarter, laid 18 just tackles and had conceded 28 inside 50s, but managed just 12 itself, the second-lowest total at half-time for the season. It had 11 players who had not laid a tackle with Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt, Dustin Martin and Brandon Ellis among those without a tackle to their name at half-time. Richmond showed some spirit after the main break to finish the game with six goals (with two kicked inside the final minute), 42 tackles and 40 inside 50s to lose by nine points. On the evidence presented on Saturday, the Tigers look years away from finals.

3. Todd Elton should put his first goal in the memory bank
On the Tigers' list since 2012, the tall forward played just his third senior game after more than 70 VFL games. He looked to be making a statement when he rose high to mark in the goalsquare in the first quarter. He then went back to kick his first career goal and his teammates mobbed him. However, he struggled with the pace of the game in the second quarter, dropping marks and missing kicks, but he battled hard in the third quarter to finish the game with 10 disposals and seven marks. Callum Moore also chimed in with a late goal on debut and showed endeavour.

4. Sliding rule is a tough one to apply
Paddy McCartin unfortunately broke his collarbone sliding into Richmond's Nick Vlastuin who kept his feet as he approached the loose ball. McCartin received the free kick but Vlastuin was entitled to feel aggrieved at the decision. He had done the right thing by keeping his feet as the 94kg McCartin slid into him, but received a free kick against. Although tough to apply in the moment, it's a good rule that umpires need to be fierce on next season as Vlastuin was lucky not to be hurt.

5. Daniel Rioli is a solitary sign of hope
On a day when the skill level was deplorable, Daniel Rioli stood out. He was clean, able to make clever intercepts and evade opponents when he had the ball. Not only did he kick two goals, but he provided run and looked like he was interested in competing. By contrast, the Saints have a plethora of quality youngsters with Jack Billings, Blake Acres, Seb Ross, Tim Membrey and Jack Newnes all developing into handy AFL players.