MATCH REPORT
MATCH
REPORT - ROUND 1 - By Johnson#26
In a disapointing 1st up match of the year, the Magpies were defeated
by the Tigers by 40 points. In a poor display, the Pies looked lost
and slow against the tigers midfield and the whole team lacked a system
to get the ball going. The 1st quarter started well with Bucks scoring
a ripper 32 seconds in but after that the quarter was a scrappy affair
with Richmond missing several chances before snaging 2 majors just prior
to the 1st change.
As soon as the 2nd quarter began, it was obvious to all that the Magpies
were not as switched on as the Tigers and they payed dearly for their
lack of concentration. The Tigers, brimming with confidence, took full
advantage of the Magpies sleepyness as they rammed home 4 quick goals
to lead at half time by 22 points.
It was clear that Mick Malthouse had given the Pies a stern spray as
they penetrated the goals in the early minutes for 1 goal and 1 point
- both to Woewodin. Just as it looked like the Pies would mount a serious
challenge the Tigers kicked 2 in quick succession, therefore slamming
the gate on any Collingwood victory. The Tiges continued to dominate
the evening, with the inconsisatant Matthew Richardson raming home some
easy goals as Simon Prestigiacomo and Collingwood could only watch as
the manmountain tiger ran riot. Even though Woewodin added a late goal,
the Pies went in to the 3/4 time huddle 39 points in arrears.
In the 4th quarter, the match continued its path with Richardson and
Richmond dominating. Although the Magpies added some respectability
to the scoreboard through goals to Davis, tarrant and Didak, the match
left a lot to be desired. The Tigers had too much fire power up forward
and with Richardson on fire, prevailed by 40 points. While Buckley &
Woewodin tried hard for the Pies, the Richmond midfield led by Brown,
Johnson and Krakouer were to strong and quick for the sluggish looking
Magpies. Final scroes Richmond: 2.5, 6.7, 11.9, 14.13 (97), Collingwood:
1.2, 3.3, 5.6, 8.9 (57)
With 7 days to regroup, the Pies have a chance to atone for the dismal
performance against the Bulldogs next saturday. Will Mick & co swing
the axe or will he keep the same line up? All will be reveiled next
thursday. Until then, Go Pies!!!
Player Rankings:
Buckley: 8/10: Worked hard & gave a contest against the weighti of numbers.
Burns: 3/10. A very 'un Burns like' performance as he didn't gain many toughes or take a few Tigers out off the play.
Clement: 7.5/10. Tried hard but couldn't contian Brown.
Davis:1.5/10. Didn't do enough for a 5th year player.
Woewodin: 7.5/10. Worked hard but had few friends. Gained lost respect from GF day.
Lonie: 3/10. Looked like sparking the team at the start of the 3rd quarter but did little otherwise.
Didak. 5.5/10. Tryed hard but couldn't get into the game.
Holland: 4/10. Tried but couldn't quell Johnson's influence.
O'Bree: 1/10: Hardly sighted. Could be in the Blue & Gold next week.
McKee: 1/10: See O'Bree.
Cole: 2/10: Made too many mistakes and tried to do too much on occasions. Needs to step up a notch and clear his head.
Wakelin: 4/10: Again, tried hard but little influence.
Licuria: 6/10: Gave his all in the 1st half when the match was up for grabs but tapered off as the match wore on.
Williams: 1/10: Might need a spell at Willi next week.
Tarrant: 2/10: Didn't do enough for an All-Australian forward although was bearen by a class defender (Gaspar).
Shaw: 1/10: Another who needs to have a spell at Willi. Tries to do too much and his kicks resalt in clangers.
Fraser: 5/10: Good early but beaten by Ottons. Hard for him givn lack of ruck support.
Johnson: 6/10: One of the few players who actually ran hard and provided a running option out of defence. Good game.
Lokan: 1/10: See Cole/Shaw. Can't play Lonie, Shaw and Lokan in the same team.
Cloke: 3/10: OK early but faded soon after 1/4 time. Never to be played forward of the centre.
Prestigiacomo: 3/10: Clearly exposed for a lack of match fitness and will be better for the run. Never stopped trying, which a few players could learn from.
Walker: 1/10: Did he play? Barely sighted.
Lets regroup and smash those Bullies next week!!