Melbourne’s Forward Woes

Daniel Turner would not have been high up the list of game-breakers for the Demons, but when his team needed a spark, the 22-year-old was the unlikely firestarter.

Turner booted two of his three goals in the third term, giving the Dees much-needed breathing space against the dogged Tigers, who were admirable in defeat.

It speaks volumes of the Dees’ woes in attack that a player recruited from a mid-season rookie draft (in 2021) as a defender should be needed to play such a role at the other end of the ground.

Their entries inside 50 were horrendous in the first half, every bit as bad as they were late last year when their quest for a second flag in three seasons was cruelled by an impotent forward line.

Take this for a sample from the second term. From a free kick in the centre square, Christian Petracca held the ball to allow Richmond to set up defensively then dumped it long and high, asking Max Gawn to outmark the entire Tigers defence.

The Demons would have worked all summer on improving what coaches now call the “connection piece” centre forward but on the evidence so far they are not making deep inroads.

If they are to be the contender they should be this year, they need to fix it quickly.

Tiger Tenacity

As dejected as Richmond fans will be with a 1-6 record, they should not have left the MCG without hope. Their side put up a considerable fight only to be overwhelmed by a far more experienced side still with their premiership window wide open.

At times like this, supporters of rebuilding clubs need to look for glimpses from their youngsters.

Maurice Rioli has taken a step forward this year. He appears to be fitter and capable of sustaining his bursts for longer. When he is near the ball, good things happen for the Tigers. He booted two goals with his 14 possessions and laid four tackles.

Mykelti Lefau is a competitor. He was not daunted in his short stints in the ruck against Max Gawn, and hit the ground balls hard. He is worth more investment in by Adem Yze.

Thomson Dow held his own in the midfield. With the Tigers’ best onballers injured, Dow will get his chance this season to prove he is up to the level.

Hopper Hobbled

There is no respite on the injury front for the Tigers, who look set to be without another of their starting midfielders for the next few weeks.

Already without Tim Taranto and Dion Prestia, the Tigers have lost Jacob Hopper to a hamstring injury sustained in the third quarter. Returning from a knee injury, Hopper cut a dejected figure as he left the field. He was subbed out moments later.

At his best, Hopper is a tough clearance winner, but he has not had a decent run at it since leaving Greater Western Sydney at the end of 2022.

In the past three seasons, he has played just 26 of a possible 52 games.