Game Review

This game was played on a very wet and muddy MCG, conditions which enabled Richmond to pull Carlton down to their level.

Bustling Buckley Bounces Back
Two games clear, the best percentage in the competition and the match of the season coming up. Boy, are we looking good! I don't even know whether the match against Hawthorn will live up to expectations. We are coming out of our slump, which despite our poor form hasn't cost us a game, and on Saturday showed some encouraging signs. On the other side of the coin, Hawthorn was pathetic against Melbourne. If it expects to throw that sort of feeble performance at us, it will be crushed. We will approach the game full of confidence after they murdered us in the opening game of the year, but we have improved out of sight since then. It is interesting to look at the players who have come into the side and acquitted themselves well since that game. Aitken, Dennis, Gleeson, Dorotich, Kennedy, Dunlop, Hanna and Gallagher all did not play against Hawthorn and have made significant contributions to the side's form since then. And we brought back another trump against Richmond. Jimmy Buckley, the tough little man who has been so important in our successful on-field performances, strutted back into the firsts, fit for the first time in years, and his impact was notable and instant. By the end of the game he knocked up getting possessions and his form must be a thrill for Robbie Walls. We have to win on Saturday for one reason above all. If Hawthorn can account for us again, people will come from everywhere criticising us for our failure against strong opposition. It may begin to affect some players. But I have no doubt we will win and keep the critics at bay. - Carl Toner Inside Football.

Blues on top again
If matches were decided on statistics, then Richmond should have been declared the winner of their game against Carlton at the MCG. The Tigers have seven more kicks, 11 more marks and 20 more handballs than the Blues, but were unable to register the points on the scoreboard. Dale Weightman's first game back after suspension and injury proved to be very profitable and he collected 36 possessions on a day more suited to skindiving thn football. Terry Wallace showed a welcome return to form by gathering 22 disposals (19 & 3). For Carlton, Kennedy (17 & 2) and Glascott (16 & 2) were their top ball-getters. Richmond were soundly beaten in the ruck where Mark Lee won just three taps compared with Justin Madden's 20 - he also continued his losing run in the free-kicks department with five against and three for. - Footy Week.

Team

Brownlow Votes

3: Dale Weightman (RICH)
2: Shane Robertson (CARL)
1: Mark Naley (CARL)