Never Surrender
United States president Donald Trump has a great saying “The biggest losers in the world are quitters” He’s absolutely spot on. The Greater Western Sydney Giants are not quitters. Sure, Richmond had their chances and blew it, but the GWS boys also ensured they kicked the required goals, made the plays and won the game. They never gave up and kept on going. Obviously coach Leon Cameron wants more improvement from his players. We asked Leon at the post-game presser about their ball usage which has been troublesome over the past weeks. He agreed and said it definitely wasn’t up to his standards. One shudders to think if they get that right how awesome the “Orange Tsunami” will be. But honestly, they did turn over some bad football. And the Giants boys look like they have drank too many coffees at times. They seem fidgety and hyper when they get the ball and maybe just a slight pause in their decision making would help. Who knows? sometimes it’s best to just let things be. Saturday night’s result was amazing and just reiterates why Aussie Rules is one of the most exciting games anywhere in the world.
Maaate! You bloody beauty Jezza! Adam Tomlinson in the GWS sheds post-game. Photo: Jodie Newell
The New Giants
Super impressed with some of the new inclusions into the Giants squad. First off, former Fremantle Docker midfielder Matt de Boer. We made the observation to GWS media guru Leigh Meyrick at last years draft the pick-up of Matt was a brilliant choice. When the Dockers were one of the best teams in the comp, De Boer was a handy player. He had the ability to kick clutch goals and get plenty of the ball. His crucial goal in the final term underlined just how good a footballer he is during pressure moments. Then the new kids on the block. What can you say about Tim Taranto? maturity beyond years?, ready made talent? Early days yes, but the eight matches he’s played thusfar have been pretty good. The 19 year old who hails from the Melbourne beachside suburbs of Mordiallic and Sandringham, played a very solid game on Saturday. He had 19 kicks, kicked a goal and laid 4 tackles. Not bad at all. The other new bloke who deserves a mention is Harry Perryman. With so many opportunities due to injuries at the club, it’s provided a chance for players like Perryman. The legendary St-Kilda and Hawthorn coach Allan “Yabby” Jeans would always make that point that through adversity brings opportunity. Harry’s taken his. Along with Matt De Boer, Perryman played his first game for the GWS and it was a good debut. He had 7 disposals, but importantly laid 7 tackles and made his presence known in the defensive zones.
Heartbreaking yes, but the Tigers are headed in the right direction.
Again Richmond lost a game they should have won in a canter, but as well reported they kicked poorly early in the piece and this match should have been all but over in the 2nd quarter. Again all the pundits can roll out the vision of the set-ups and zones, but it’s very simple to explain, bad kicking at goal is bad football. The Tigers gave the Giants a chance and that was enough. On the bright side, they to have some very good young players. It was expected that Punt road cult hero ruckman in Ivan Maric would stroll back into the team, but under coach Damien Hardwick, Ivan Soldo has been his choice and he’s been impressive in just two games of AFL football. Soldo combines well with another new inclusion for 2017 in former Sydney ruckman, Toby Nankervis. Soldo and Nankervis shared 25 hitouts to the Giants combo of Rory Lobb and Shand Mumford 41. Daniel Rioli in his second year is already a player of great ability.He’s going to be a very dangerous player with a few more games under his belt, with his evasive skills in the Tigers midfield. Jason Castagna continues to grow and provided goal kicking options up forward. Castagna kicked consecutive goals in the first quarter and he’s another player that will be key to the Richmond football club’s future success.
Jason Castagna was handy in the forward zone for the Tigers booting 2 goals. Photo: Jodie Newell
Shai Bolton almost made his AFL debut a dream start. His snap in the dying seconds of the game looked to be the sealer, but thanks to the review system, it was deemed a behind. Still not a bad start and if the lad can crumb and snap at the goals like he did on Saturday, then he’s got plenty of football ahead of him. Off the park, Richmond will benefit enormously with the retun of Neil Balme. He understands the workings of football clubs so well. He knows what it takes to win premierships. From the lofty heights of the Northern stand at the 1973 VFL grand final, As a kid I saw the big number 21 for the Tigers belt Carlton full back Geoff Southby senseless and I hated him for that as did many Carlton supporters. Yet it’s funny when I actually meet people such as Neil, it’s totally the opposite of what you think or have felt. I told him what I thought when I first met him, and he laughed. Actually Neil is decent bloke who always, always says g’day to me whenever I’m at a game. We have a chat about all things football, it’s really cool to be able to do so. I’m sure he’ll make a difference at Punt rd. As to coach Damien Hardwick, he’s still the best man for the job at Richmond. As he walked out of the post-game presser, he sighed heavily after losing the game. Quite rightly, he’s of the opinion his side is playing better football. They just need to make sure they close out a game. I’m certain the Tigers will be thereabouts come September.
Richmond midfielder Daniel Rioli hand-passes out of trouble against the GWS Giants. Photo: Jodie Newell
