Pies hold off Tigers in VFL thriller as draftees shine across country

It was an entertaining Sunday of VFL action that saw a ripping contest between two powerhouses Richmond and Collingwood fighting for top-eight spots, while UWS bounced back in a big win over Box Hill.

Punt Road played host to a gripping clash that went down to the wire, as the Magpies upset the home fans to record an 80-84 win keeping them well and truly in finals contention.

All eyes would’ve been on the potential replacement for injured star Darcy Moore, although in another stroke of bad luck, key defender Charlie Dean went down with an ankle complaint.

This potentially leaves the door open for the likes of Jack Madgen (one goal, eight touches) or Will Kelly (12 disposals, five marks) to assume the role as a tall option in defence in the All-Australians potential absence.

Mid-season draftee Josh Carmichael had yet another impressive day collecting 23 possessions and creating three goal-scoring chances. This added depth would be creating healthy pressure for spots as the firing Magpies continue their win streak in the AFL.

Trent Bianco (two goals, 25 disposals) put his best foot forward for a re-appearance in the senior side for the first time since Round 8, as Finlay Macrae (one goal, 26 disposals) and Caleb Poulter (21 disposals, nine marks) were consistent as ever.

For the Tigers, Matthew Parker bounced back to form with 28 disposals and 10 inside-50’s to go with eight marks and will be aiming to force his way back to the senior side for the tail end of 2022.

Tyler Sonsie (27 disposals, five marks), Jake Aarts (one goal, 21 disposals) and Noah Cumberland (two goals, 15 touches) were also influential despite the loss.

At Giants Stadium, it was UWS that consolidated their spot in the top-eight with a crucial 31-point victory against the seventh-placed Box Hill Hawks.

Jarrod Brander repeatedly shows he is a class above VFL-level with 29 disposals and 10 marls, while Braydon Preuss (one goal, 16 disposals, 43 hit outs) dominated, assisting in a classy day for Jake Stein (27 disposals, eight marks).

Josh Ward (one goal, 26 touches) and Finn Maginness (27 disposals, four tackles) wouldn’t be far off selection for Sam Mitchell’s side with Daniel Howe (one goal, 21 touches) not far behind them.

Photo: @RichmondVFL Twitter