Richmond’s VFL team won through to the Elimination Final with a gritty Wildcard Round win against GWS at ETU Stadium in Port Melbourne last Saturday afternoon. Here’s how coach Jake Batchelor assessed the performance of each player.

Harry Scott (28 disposals, seven score involvements, five clearances)
“I thought he improved in the second half, I thought he was using his hands too much in the first half and then built into it really strongly. He was a big part of our second half.”

Kaleb Smith (24 disposals, eight marks, 92% disposal efficiency)
“Another strong game as a half back, he read the cues quite well and used his feet to our advantage.”

Lachlan Wilson (19 disposals, seven score involvements, six tackles, five clearances)
“Played a bit as a forward and a bit as a mid, he patrolled the corridor really well for us. There were a couple of opportunities for a bit more composure with ball in hand, which we will look to add in this week.”

Massimo Raso (19 disposals, seven tackles, one goal)
“I really liked his game, he played as a small forward and got on the end of a goal early on. We put him in the midfield as the game went on and he showed some fast feet and some power around the stoppage. So, it was really exciting to add that to his bow.”

Oliver Hayes-Brown (18 disposals, 11 hit-outs, five clearances, five inside-50s)
“A slow first half, got beaten quite easily and then he really lifted in the second half and our mids followed suit, so well done to him.”

Jacob Blight (18 disposals, eight intercept possessions, seven marks)
“I thought he had some really good moments in the air, noticeably a huge spoil in the last quarter that sets up our last goal. When he makes really strong decisions in the air or clears the area, it is really influential on the rest of our team.”

Sam Toner (16 disposals, five marks, four inside-50s, one goal)
“He started really well and he kept his form going. It was probably one of his most balanced games for the whole year. His running power is through the roof on the wing and he’s always providing outlets, and that is the sign of a good winger.”

Tom McKenzie (15 disposals, three marks, three clearances)
“As a mid he was okay, got caught holding the ball once or twice. So, I think there is an opportunity to change angles more when he is driving his legs. But we put him to half back in the last quarter just to give him another string to his bow and we might look at doing that again this week.” 

Austin Johnson (15 disposals, three tackles, two marks)
“He took our kick-ins deliberately for us this week and he’s got an unbelievable foot on him, so we will look to maximise that again this week.”

Joel Garner (14 disposals, three clearances, one goal)
“He was a little bit sore and found a way to get involved, we switched him forward with Massimo Raso just to mix up roles. He played a bit of time forward out of the goal square and got a nice set shot goal which was great.”

Mutaz El Nour (14 disposals, eight marks, eight intercept possessions)
“Came into the game under a bit of an injury cloud but had no issues whatsoever. He really toughed it out for us, he’s back to normal and it was great to see him lead the intercepts again.”

Steely Green (13 disposals, three inside-50s, two goals)
“High half forward, a little bit of midfield time and three shots at goal. He was looking so potent in the first quarter in particular. His day was done halfway through the last as the AFL emergency, but he was great with his attitude.”

Nicholas Girolami (13 disposals, seven marks, four contested marks, two goals)
“Another great game as a new-aged key forward. He competed really strongly in the air and had some great one vs one looks. We looked to try and isolate him, great to see him get four shots at goal.”  

Liam George (13 disposals, two marks, one tackle)
“Another good game on the wing, he was really important for our ability to attack in multiple ways this week. When he steps through the contest and drives through tackles, he is quite strong and unstoppable, which was great to see.”

Jasper Alger (12 disposals, three marks, three inside-50s)
“I thought he built into the game well, we will look to find a way to get him more involved this week as he’s extremely talented. We want him around the ball and making decisions.”

Jacob Koschitzke (10 disposals, five marks, four goals)
“He’s playing so well at the moment, his buy into our program and the team has been outstanding. It was great to see him hit the scoreboard, we moved him into the backline in the last quarter to help out with rotations and he performed admirably there.”

Liam Fawcett (10 disposals, eight marks, three goals)
“Had five shots at goal and competed really strongly in the air, I thought he played like a big man and was very motivational to the rest of his teammates.”

Mohammed Yassine (nine disposals, five inside-50s, three goals)
“Low numbers but high impact on the game. His ability to chase down tackle and put on pressure whilst also getting ahead of the ball was really pleasing.”

Nicholas Collier (nine disposals, five intercept possessions, two marks)
“Got a bit of exposure to the midfield this week which was awesome for him, so we will look to put him in there again at the right times this week.”

Nicholas Guiney (eight disposals, three inside-50s, two marks)
“Unfortunately he did his shoulder on three-quarter time. He was playing a good game.”

Samson Ryan (seven disposals, five marks, three contested marks)
“A good first game back, I thought he started off quite slow getting used to the game. But his attitude, his buy in, his celebration of his teammates was so strong and his form in the second half contributed.”

Campbell Gray (five disposals, one mark) & Lachlan Street (four disposals, two marks)
“Unfortunately both boys were injured after starting the game really well.”