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Richmond recorded their fourth win in five games to start season 2018 over Melbourne on Tuesday night.
Here's everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Will the real Melbourne please stand up?
Simon Goodwin must wonder why his team is prone to wild form fluctuations during games, as the trend continued on Tuesday night.
After a positive start from Melbourne in the first term where they controlled field position but couldn’t score, Richmond took control of the contest in the second quarter. Luckily for the Demons, the Tigers also failed to capitalise on the scoreboard.
Of the sudden shift in Melbourne’s play, AFL Nation expert Terry Wallace said “there is something about the Demons which is a real worry,” while 2008 Brownlow Medallist Adam Cooney added the “lack of competitiveness” is the biggest concern.
Plough: "We know that Melbourne have these flat patches in games. This quarter the inside 50s are 11-1 and clearances are 10-1. It's a real worry for them"#AFLDeesTigers
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) April 24, 2018
The numbers back up the argument, as Melbourne had just 11 forward half disposals for the term with one minute left in the second quarter, compared to Richmond’s 56. Furthermore, it took 14 minutes for the Dees to record an inside 50 for the quarter.
The opening half of the third quarter saw a revitalised Melbourne wrestle back the field position battle and shorten the deficit to six-points. However, they couldn’t carry that momentum throughout the rest of the second half, as they ended up losing comprehensively.
There is no doubting the Demons’ talent level, but until they start piecing together consistent four-quarter efforts, they will struggle to reach their full potential.
The Moment: Lambert's nana the sealer
After Melbourne kicked the opening goal of the final quarter and gave themselves a chance, Kane Lambert made something out of nothing with a banana goal from a forward 50 contest.
Kane Lambert only needed a slither of space to kick this beauty!#AFLDeesTigers pic.twitter.com/aWKh2t0MJ0
— AFL (@AFL) April 24, 2018
"That's so Richmond that goal," Anthony Hudson said, as Richmond's ability to hunt the footy in the forward half paid dividends.
Kamdyn McIntosh followed with a quick goal of his own to kill any hope of a Demons comeback, as the floodgates opened.
The Star: Max Gawn
A rider must be placed on this one, as the Tigers had a number of strong contributors, it was almost unfair to single out on of their performers.
Meanwhile, Melbourne’s ruckman once again stamped his dominance against a team that went with an unorthodox rucking set-up.
Gawn was forced to compete with the likes of Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin at times and took full advantage, doing all he could for the Demons midfielders.
Quarters: "It becomes a bit of a mockery of the ruck when Gawn is going up against Cotchin"#AFLDeesTigers
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) April 24, 2018
As the best ruckman in the AFL debate heats up, the 26-year-old pushed his case by recording 54 hitouts, 16 disposals and eight tackles on the night.
The Young Gun: Jack Higgins
Five goals. Eleven kicks. Two games.
It’s not a bad CV for Higgins, who once again proved how dangerous he is around goals. Just when you think Richmond’s mosquito fleet of small forwards couldn’t get better, the 19-year-old has burst onto the scene with his intelligence and enthusiasm in the attacking zone.
Higgins opened the Tigers’ goal account with a crumbing front and centre, which led to a Hugh Bowman like celebration. His second major displayed his forward nous, as Higgins pounced on a loose ball to run into an open goal. The Oakleigh Chargers product marked and snapped from 25 metres out for his final first half goal.
I SEE IT BUT I DON'T BELIEVE IT!
The dynamic duo of Huddo and Quarters made a return tonight!
In the box tonight calling all the action will be Anthony Hudson and @Quartermain10....calling footy together for the first time since the 2011 GF on Ch10!
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) April 24, 2018
Stream it live https://t.co/17ELx7rppT#AFLDeesTigers pic.twitter.com/y1aKzUJDMx
What’s next?
Both sides will be in action this Sunday, with Melbourne facing Essendon at Etihad Stadium, while Richmond take on Collingwood at the MCG.
Full Score
Melbourne: 1.5, 2.6, 5.8, 8.8.56
Richmond: 2.2, 5.8, 8.9, 15.12.102
GOALS
Melbourne: Melksham 4, Hogan 2, Garlett, Harmes
Richmond: Higgins 3, Lloyd 2, Castagna 2, McIntosh 2, Riewoldt 2, Lambert 2, Prestia, Cotchin
BEST
Melbourne: Gawn, Lever, Jones, Vince, Melksham, Oliver
Richmond: Lambert, Higgins, Castagna, Martin, Edwards, Astbury, Houli
INJURIES
Melbourne: Kent (hamstring)
Richmond: Nil
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 77,071