On the macro scale, Richmond believed that it could knock off Geelong at Skilled Stadium on Saturday afternoon, and it went so close it was leading at the last change.
On the micro scale, Daniel Jackson was set to renew his battle with Cats wunderkind Joel Selwood, and in keeping the Michael Tuck Medallist and premiership star relatively quiet he won the battle; even if the Tigers did lose the war.
Jackson said the opportunity to measure themselves against the best team in the competition was something the Tigers had looked forward to after the Carlton debacle in round one.
“Last week was a bit of an embarrassment – everything went wrong, and we set ourselves this week to go out there and be physical and tough and take it to the Cats,” he told richmondfc.com.au after the game.
“They’ve been such a good side over the last couple of years that it would be a good barometer for us to test ourselves against.
“And we had them there at three-quarter time – we’re a very fit side and we knew we could give it a good run in the last quarter, and to let that go and not quite do what we wanted to was a bit disappointing ... frustrating.”
The 22-year-old said the Cats’ experience had taught them how to win games that were hanging in the balance.
“They’re experienced at winning, that’s what they do well, it’s what they’ve done for the last two years, and in positions like that, it shines out.
“Our side’s a little bit younger, a little bit less experienced – we have a crack, but sometimes we make little mistakes which end up costing us in the end.
“I think that’s what happened today – we didn’t quite make the most of our opportunities, and we gave them a few too many.”
Jackson said he was determined not to repeat his errors from the Carlton match, and he stepped up defensively and offensively, amassing 25 touches (nine contested), five tackles, five inside 50s and five centre clearances.
“I was a bit disappointed last week – I had a job to do and I was too defensively-minded,” he said.
“This week I went out there thinking that I’d do my defensive job but at the same time I want to attack the footy ... The contested possessions were something I was really focussing on for the week, so I’m happy to hear that.”
Jackson said he enjoyed the challenge posed by Selwood.
“I went and watched their first half and had a look at him, and look, he goes about it like any respected AFL player does – he puts his head over it, and I knew the only way I was going to be able to take it to him was by getting the footy myself.
“I always have a good battle against him, and to his credit, he said to me after the game that I had him.
“That was much appreciated, but he’s a good fella, and I wish him well for the year.”
