- Apr 14, 2014
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- 11,186
- AFL Club
- Richmond
Interesting observations.I agree in part that maybe we should have another flag under our belt but I also want to put up a counterpoint.
It’s hard to judge our “results” over the last few years based purely off the number that we finished. We realistically could’ve finished anywhere between 6th and 1st over all those years, that’s how close the top 5-6 have been and it shows that one f*ck up can be your season. Last year the Collingwood game was it.
Look at this year even. We had a bad start but won 8 matches on the trot, lost an 8 point swing and still find ourselves on an uphill battle for 4th, despite all we’ve done over the last 2 months.
Richmond have been the better side over the last few years but during the H+A they certainly haven’t shown it. They just kept themselves around the mark (as they’re doing again this year) and are the better side when finals come. We’ve just slipped up one time too many in a few of those years that cost us the vital starting position at the beginning of finals. Last year as a prime example again.. If the ball bounces our way in the last minute of the Tigers game, we take their place in the top 4 and possibly win the flag instead of them as well. That’s literally how close it is and shows you how hard it is to win one, let alone multiple in one window.
The sliding doors throughout seasons are huge, you can be unbeatable for weeks on end and lose one single game that defines your season. Last night could have been it again. Although there’s plenty still to go under the bridge before the end of the year this time around. Similar to last year, if we make top 4 I believe we can beat anyone on our day (specifically day time, none of this QLD at night rubbish )
I think something to keep in mind with Richmond is the role losing games plays. Having watched them religiously, since 2017 they have learnt how to compose themselves even if they aren't on top of the ladder. In fact being on top of the ladder like 2018 might not be the best thing for a team like Richmond because they seem to relish the fire at the coal face, gritty wins and tough losses. They have consistently shown they are better at the business end of the season after having to work hard for their opportunities. They are galvanised by failure and it seems to give them the rock hard ability to stand their ground rather than capitulate. The Port loss came at a good time.