Match result

Richmond 19.14 128 defeats North Melbourne 6.7 43

In action

AFL-listed
Ben McKay (17 disposals, 7 marks), Sam Durdin (8 disposals), Dan Nielson (7 disposals, 5 tackles), Will Walker (15 disposals, 1 goal), Braydon Preuss (13 disposals, 1 goal), Josh Williams (7 disposals), Kyron Hayden (13 disposals), Tristan Xerri (8 disposals), Gordon Narrier (9 disposals), Oscar Junker (10 disposals, 1 goal), Mitch Hibberd (15 disposals)

VFL-listed
Tom Hotchin (8 disposals), Nick Rippon (35 disposals, 7 tackles), Ty Leonardis (11 disposals), Matthew Lee (8 disposals), Nash Holmes (25 disposals, 8 tackles), Chris Jansen (26 disposals, 6 tackles), Fraser Cameron (9 disposals, 1 goal), Louis Cunningham (17 disposals, 6 marks), Nick Hogan (9 disposals), Matt Northe (13 disposals, 6 marks, 7 tackles), Lachlan Mirams (6 disposals, 1 goal), Quintin Montanaro (13 disposals)

Story of the game

A determined North Melbourne provided an early scare to the competition-leading Richmond, but was ultimately outgunned. 

Greeted by a glorious afternoon at Holm Park, the Roos showed vigour early, starting the game with purpose and a clear attack-minded structure against the Tigers.

North drew first blood just after three minutes, with co-captain Chris Jansen booting a goal that instilled his team with a shot of confidence.

North’s attacking momentum was clear for all to see, but the continued ability to enter its forward 50 didn’t result in scoreboard pressure, leaving the visitors to rue the chances missed.

Although North had six scoring shots in the opening quarter, the first break was met with a three-point deficit.

The forward pressure continued in the second term, but Richmond began to turn the tide, scoring two late goals that allowed the first-placed side to enter half-time with all the momentum and an 18-point lead.

North lost Sam Durdin late in the third quarter, with the stretcher called on to withdraw the reliable defender with just minutes remaining due to a broken right tibia. 

Without key forward Nick Larkey, who was among the emergencies for North’s senior side, North lacked its usual avenue to goal and its ability to break lines out of defence.

A 14-goal-to-4 second half proved to be the difference, with the scoreline not being a true indicator of the game’s competitive nature.

VFL coach David Loader was left to lament the early opportunities missed, but praised the resolve of the young Roos.

“Our pressure around the ball was really good,” Loader told North Media.

“We had the structure we wanted at both ends of the ground, we just unfortunately made some bad skill errors that cost us probable shots on goal.

“The second quarter we were pretty brave, but again two or three really bad skill errors, especially late in the quarter. It was 15 or 16 points at half-time, but it was still a real arm wrestle.

“Unfortunately, we weren't able to keep the pressure up in the second half. Once they (the Tigers) got off the chain a little bit and starting to run at us, they spread and they worked super hard.

“They’re a really good side and they challenged us everywhere around the ground. They got the scoreboard ticking over and it ends up being an 80-point game.

“We’re really disappointed in our second half. We look at the positives out of that, our first 25-30 minutes was excellent.

“Our first half was pretty solid, but [with] our second half, we’ve certainly got to work on some stuff there.”

Best of AFL

Braydon Preuss
Preuss silver service for North’s on-ball brigade for the best part of four quarters.

Preuss has made a habit of dominating the ruck exchanges this season, beating many of the competition's more established ruck authorities.

Tasked with the challenge of halting two of Richmond’s alternating talls, Preuss was a vital cog at the stoppages for North, providing first use on most occasions.

“The first half we were unreal,” Preuss told North Media.

“We really got on top of them, but structure and a bit of stuff slipped in the second half, that's footy.

“[I was] in and out of the game, it was nothing special compared to the last couple of weeks. But when you come up against good opponents, you can’t be unreal all the time. Definitely a lot of room for improvement.”

Best of VFL

Nick Rippon
The conditions and opposition may have been different, but the consistency of Rippon’s overall game remains unchanged.

Although he mistimed one effort to change the direction of play in the third term, which led to an uncontested Richmond goal, Rippon remained on task and rallied for a strong finish to the game.

The oldest player on the field for the Roos, the 24-year-old picked up where he left off last week, establishing himself as a mainstay in the middle of the ground in spite of a slightly higher role.

Talking points

Walker shows promise
The talented speedster continues to hone his natural goalscoring instincts.

Blessed with pace to burn, the medium-sized forward continues to work in tandem with his surrounding teammates.

The 19-year-old highlighted his development in an impressive attacking sequence in the third term, shadowing debutant Lachlan Mirams, who assisted the goal sneak in a swift movement that few saw coming.

High-flying McKay
The first quarter alone provided a series of highlight-reel marks from the high-flying backman.

North’s early lead was built on the back of McKay’s spectacular first quarter, where he seemed destined to win every opportunity for contested ball in the air.

Despite losing his defensive partner Durdin late in the third term, McKay filled the void of his fallen teammate, providing direction and leadership for his less-experienced flankers.

“He’s positioned himself well,” Loader said. 

“He’s got a really good balance of [knowing] when to spoil and when he can take the catch. He was really influential early.

“I thought that every time they (Richmond) looked like going forward, it seemed to be him or Durdin that were getting involved in holding up.

“Another good game from Ben.”

Mirams strikes on debut
Wearing club colours for the first time is an unique experience in its own right.

However, the towering forward capped off a memorable afternoon in Beaconsfield by adding his name to the scoreboard.

Mirams made the most of an intercept mark by Preuss, which ended with Rippon proving the timely assist.

“He’s worked really hard to get an opportunity,” Loader said. 

“He looked dangerous two or three times today. I think he’ll be pleased that he got through the game unscathed and having his first run in North Melbourne colours.”