'Nowhere near it': Richmond roasted over unwanted AFL history
Richmond’s hopes of getting their premiership defence off to a fast start have been dealt an ominous blow, with the club notching a slice of unwanted history against the Hawks on Thursday night.
The Tigers struggled to hit the scoreboard in their return to footy last Thursday, when they and Collingwood played out a dour draw that left fans wanting more.
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Their scoring issues were highlighted by their failure to kick a goal in the first quarter against the Magpies, a problem that reared its head again when facing Hawthorn.
For the first time since the 1961 season, the Tigers failed to register a first quarter goal in two consecutive games.
This is the first time Richmond has had a goalless opening quarter for two games in a row since 1961. @FOXFOOTY #AFLTigersHawks
— Max Laughton (@maxlaughton) June 18, 2020
As the Hawks, who themselves took to the field with the oldest team in VFL/AFL history, put a stranglehold on the Tigers, fans were quick to point out the reigning premier’s woes.
Making matters worse for the Tigers was the lopsided tackle count.
Richmond had 70 tackles in the draw against Collingwood last week. This week they have 9 to half time. Absolutely nowhere near it. #AFLTigersHawks
— Rudi (@RudiEdsall) June 18, 2020
We haven't played this poorly in a long time. #gotiges @Richmond_FC >> Really flat
— Peter Brown (@SydneyEditor) June 18, 2020
Five goals in five quarters for Richmond since the AFL’s restart.
That 7.2 first term v the Blues feels like, and probably is, a lifetime ago. #AFLTigersHawks— Alex Fair (@AJFair85) June 18, 2020
Take Richmond off Thursday nights 😉 #AFLTigersHawks
— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) June 18, 2020
Richmond just look completely out of sorts all over the park. Hawks picking them apart #AFLTigersHawks
— James McKern (@jLmcKern) June 18, 2020
Jack Riewoldt lifts the lid on brutal Pendlebury sledge
Tigers star Jack Riewoldt has revealed the cheeky sledge aimed at him after he shanked a straight forward kick short of the goal posts in Thursday night’s AFL restart against Collingwood.
AFL heavyweights Collingwood and Richmond played out their first draw in more than 100 years as football made a welcome return at the MCG.
Riewoldt was 30m out and on an angle, but unfortunately for the Tigers his kick fell short and Collingwood big man Darcy Cameron took a mark on the goal line.
Now, the Tigers star has revealed rival Scott Pendlebury had a sly dig at him following the shanked kick.
After setting up their defence to stop a Collingwood attack, Riewoldt said Pendlebury couldn’t help sledge him over the effort.
“I had a bit of a chuckle. Scott Pendlebury was on the mark and he ribbed me straight away,” Riewoldt told Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
“He goes: ‘Those hips are gone, you’re getting a bit old.’
“It was disappointing to not kick the goal … it was a pretty weird night.”
Riewoldt explained to the show that his technique let him down for the crucial shot.
“I was so focused on dropping the ball well – which I did – and then I just forgot to kick it,” he added.
