Richmond VFL suffered their second defeat of the season at the hands of the undefeated Footscray Bulldogs on Sunday afternoon at the Swinburne Centre.
The Tigers stayed competitive with the ladder-leading Bulldogs throughout the game, but a strong finish from the visitors ultimately made the difference, with the final score reading 13.7 (85) to 17.14 (116).
In the opening quarter, Richmond started strongly, with Sam Davidson scoring back-to-back goals to give the hosts momentum before Nicholas Collier kicked his first goal for the VFL Tigers. Despite Footscray’s dominance in the second quarter, Richmond responded well just before half-time with goals from Jacob Koschitzke and Kane McAuliffe.
McAuliffe performed impressively with 25 disposals, 10 tackles, and two goals. The Tigers managed to narrow the gap to just nine points at half-time.
Although the Bulldogs started the second half strongly, Richmond fought back, regaining the lead in the third quarter with goals from Steely Green, McAuliffe, and Liam George. George, a late inclusion into the match, performed strongly with three goals.
The Bulldogs managed to break Richmond’s momentum with consecutive goals from Buku Khamis. Jacob Bauer was solid in defense for the Tigers, while Sam Davidson was lively up front.
Heading into the final quarter, Richmond trailed by eight points. Despite a goal from Samson Ryan early in the fourth quarter, Footscray responded with two goals of their own to extend their lead. Although Jacob Koschitzke’s late goal gave Richmond hope, Footscray sealed the game with a quick response.
The Tigers now sit sixth on the ladder and will face the Sandringham Zebras on Sunday, May 19, at Trevor Barker Oval.
Richmond: 4.3 7.4 11.6 13.7
Footscray: 2.4 8.7 12.8 17.14
Top Goalkickers: George (3), McAuliffe (2), Koschitzke (2), Davidson (2), Collier, Green, Ryan, Coulthard
Best Players: McAuliffe, McIntosh, George, McCarthy, Davidson, Brindley, Wilson