Dusty and Co. Help Richmond’s Kangaroo Curse
North Melbourne Kangaroos vs Richmond Tigers
| Team | Goal | Point | Skor |
| North Melbourne Kangaroos | 9 | 12 | 66 |
| Richmond Tigers | 14 | 17 | 101 |
GOALS
North Melbourne: Wood 2, Atley 2, Brown, Waite, Higgins, Gibson, Hansen
Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Martin 2, Butler 2, Lambert 2, Castagna, Cotchin, Edwards, Ellis, Grigg, Rioli
Richmond’s midfield stars were on show against the Kangaroos, playing a central role in overturning Richmond’s Kangaroo curse, to beat them by 31 points at Etihad Stadium.
In recent years, the Roos had the edge on the Tigers, winning 7 of their past 8 against the Tigers. It was the likes of onballers Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and co. which saw the Tigers come away with the four points. The Dynamic duo in Martin and Cotchin combined to pick up 70 disposals, 13 marks, 18 tackles and 3 goals. New recruit Dion Prestia also had his best game of the season, in which he picked up 35 disposals and played a vital role in sharing the midfield load.
On the other side of the spectrum, it was the likes of Sam Gibson, Robbie Tarrant and Jamie Macmillan who were influential for the Roos. The influence however, was not enough to ensure a victory for the kangaroos.
In what was an intense first half in which the Kangaroos were leading mostly, by a maximum of 13 points, the Tigers were able to keep within touch to allow themselves to pick up the pace and get a run on. The Roos went into half time with a slender lead of only 2 points, but this later proved to be not enough. After half time, the Tigers came out with great intensity and smooth ball movement. It allowed for the Tigers to kick 5 unanswered goals and close out the third term in front. The Fourth quarter was no different, as the Tigers won the ball around the ground and extended their lead, finishing the game eventual winners.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick praised his team, and in particular his midfield brigade. “It was an impressive game and I am pleased with the intensity brought by the team today. I thought Trent, our captain, and Dustin were standouts.”
North Melbourne coach Brad Scott also commented on the game, talking about his teams’ inefficiency by foot “There wasn’t much to like about tonight, we were terrible by foot. I don’t think Huseyin would be proud.”
The crowd in attendance was recorded to be 36,100.
Richmond have a bye this week, and are currently sitting 4th on the Ladder. They face Sydney at the MCG after the Bye.
North Melbourne also have the Bye, and face St Kilda after the Bye.
YAS
