But all is not lost, Richmond fans, not by a long shot. Richmond kicked 18 goals in its defeat by the Bulldogs. Hardwick pointed out certain defensive frailties, which is fair when you consider that three of the Bulldogs' 23 goals were scored because Richmond defenders decided to kip on the goal-line.
But Hardwick did admit that 18 goals tally would normally have earned a win. If the Tigers kick 18 goals every week for the rest of the year, finals will be a certainty.
So how good are the Bulldogs? That's the real question to emerge from the match.
Well, any team that kicks 23 goals against a team that is higher on the ladder must have something going for it. Before the match, Richmond was ninth and the Bulldogs 11th and yet the final score was 23.15 (153) to 18.10 (118).
The Bulldogs waltzed through the middle of Etihad Stadium like they were dodging rubbish bins in Droop Street. They were slick—but they also had a hard edge that enabled the slickness.
The only clear victory to the Dogs on the stats sheet, besides shots at goal, was in contested possessions. The Bulldogs had 162 to 127, a difference of 35, which was exactly the final margin.
On this performance, the Bulldogs should move up the ladder and take what appeared, at least before the season, to be their rightful place in the eight.
The yellow and black hordes might have to wait a while.
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily of the AFL or its clubs
