3 minute read

Reigning premiers Richmond have thrashed Essendon by 87 points in their opening AFL pre-season trial at Wangaratta in Victoria, with Dustin Martin best afield.

Reigning AFL premiers Richmond and Brownlow Medallist Dustin Martin have picked up where they left off with an 87-point mauling of Essendon at Wangaratta in Victoria.

Martin was best afield on Saturday afternoon with 24 disposals and a goal in humid conditions, as the Tigers dominated their opening pre-season match 19.10 (124) to 5.7 (37).

The Tigers were only missing three of their premiership team and were much closer to full-strength than the Bombers.

But Essendon were no match for a trademark Richmond performance - remorseless pressure around the ground and first-class ball use.

Tigers captain Trent Cotchin also stood out with his outstanding work at the stoppages.

Richmond duo Toby Nankervis and David Astbury and Essendon midfielder Zach Merrett were all forced out of the game because of concussion.

Top recruit Jake Stringer had an Essendon debut to forget. First, his head was cut in the opening quarter and the blood made a striking contrast to his new bottle-blond hairstyle.He soon returned to the field, but had minimal influence.

Fellow newcomer Adam Saad gave Essendon a strong start with a booming 60-plus metre goal. Then their third key recruit Devon Smith also kicked a goal in the fifth minute.

Essendon did not boot another goal until late in the second term, when they were more than five goals down.

Richmond were missing Dion Prestia, Dean Rioli and Nathan Broad from their premiership 22. With Rioli still recovering from a serious foot injury, Shai Bolton is his obvious replacement and the small forward kicked three goals in a lively performance.

Darcy Parish and Smith were best for Essendon, while captain Dyson Heppell was also prominent until he was rested late in the third term. Martin and Cotchin also sat out the last quarter.

Michael Hurley, Orazio Fantasia, Cale Hooker and Tom Bellchambers were among the top Essendon players missing from Saturday's line-up.