Richmond are now one game clear on top of the VFL ladder following a convincing 68-point win over Collingwood at Victoria Park. It was first versus second heading into the clash but the Tigers led from virtually the outset eventually wrapping up the match with six goal to one last quarter winning 17.13.115 to 6.11.47.
Anthony Miles was a standout for the winners amassing 43 disposals with eleven marks and eight clearances and booting three goals. He was well supported by Sam Lloyd (37) and two goals, Corey Ellis (23) and Shai Bolton (22) and one goal, while Oleg Markov and skipper, Steven Morris, gave little away down back. Ivan Soldo (36 hit outs) won the ruck contests giving the likes of Miles and Bolton first use of the football.
Richmond AFL Premiership player, Daniel Rioli, got though unscathed in his first full hit out and third game back for the Tigers in the VFL. Rioli gathered twelve possessions and kicked one goal as he continues his recovery from a foot injury suffered in last year’s AFL Grand Final.
Leading disposal winners for Collingwood were Rupert Wills who gathered 38 and seven clearances, Jarryd Blair (28), Callum Brown (25) and nine clearances and Sam Murray (23) and six rebound fifties. A healthy crowd rolled into the historical ground on a sunny but cool Sunday morning for the top-of-the-table clash. Home fans were hoping to celebrate captain, Jack Hellier, in game 100, however the Tigers had other ideas booting four goals to two in the opening term and their abundance of AFL listed players were amongst the action.
AFL rookie listed player, Liam Baker, helped himself to two second quarter goals for Richmond to stretch their lead to seventeen points at the main break. Jarryd Blair was working hard for the Pies around the packs while Marty Hore (26 disposals, 8 marks), Nathan Murphy and Murray were kept busy down back.
Richmond took control in the second half booting ten goals to the Magpies two to confirm their spot on top of the ladder. The Tigers now face an away trip to Williamstown in round ten while Collingwood will be looking to make amends in a tough road trip to Casey Fields to take on the Demons.
