The Tigers took the foot off the pedal late allowing Hawthorn to build respect on the scoreboard.

Optimism surrounds Tasmania’s bid

Premier Peter Gutwein told Fox Footy he was optimistic the AFL would grant the state a licence to field a standalone team in Tasmania saying “the opportunity had never been better” as the building blocks were all in place. The bid received a boost this week with plans for a stadium in Hobart released with club presidents to vote on the issue in the middle of the year. Richmond president Peggy O’Neal said “where there is a will there is a way” when asked about the possibility of club bosses voting for expansions.

Umpire respect

Jack Riewoldt, who plays the game with skill and passion, gave away his second 50-metre penalty for disputing an umpire’s decision in successive weeks. The rule is reasonable as carrying on after a decision adds little to the game but affects the respect shown to umpires at community level however it is sure to impact more heavily on players such as Riewoldt who are known to gesticulate and become emotional when a free kick is paid against them.

Community spirit

The AFL arrived in town to make a contribution that respected the needs of the community with Richmond’s Riewoldt leading a group of players from Richmond, Hawthorn and North Melbourne in a school clinic that was low-key but significant. The league also helped raise money for the Hillcrest Community Public Fund with 8412 supporters attending the match.

Sore spots

The Tigers’ new co-captain Grimes missed the practice match against Geelong with COVID-19 and did not appear in the last quarter after he appeared to hurt his leg in a marking contest late in the second quarter. It may have been just a precautionary measure but Dion Prestia (hand) and Ivan Soldo (ankle) returned to the field after knocks. Gibcus copped a blow to the face late in the game.

RICHMOND 7.4 10.5 13.7 14.10 (94)
HAWTHORN 2.1 4.5 5.9 9.15 (69)

Best: Richmond: Martin, McIntosh, Cotchin, Balta, Baker, Short. Hawthorn: Ward, Wingard, Worpel, Breust, Newcombe
Goals: Richmond: Balta 3, Baker 2, Lynch 2, Riewoldt 2, Edwards 2, Castagna, Soldo. Hawthorn: Lewis 2, McEvoy, Gunston, Breust, Wingard, Phillips, MacDonald, Koschitzke
Injuries: Richmond: Grimes (leg) Prestia (hand) Soldo (ankle)
Hawthorn: Shiels (ill)

WHAT’S NEXT:

Richmond v Carlton, MCG, Thursday March 17

Hawthorn v North Melbourne MCG, Sunday March 20