Cornes wonders if Richmond have completely given up after ugly Bulldogs defeat

Richmond were nowhere near it in their matchup against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday night at the MCG, losing 42-133.

The 91-point result was set up by a dominant first quarter from the Bulldogs where they dominated field position to open up a 23-point lead at the first break.

While the Tigers went into the game as underdogs, Kane Cornes was incredibly disappointed by their start as he felt they showed no pressure, effort or desire to bring the game to their opposition.

Cornes even pondered whether the now 1-8 Tigers have completely given up on their season and he expects things to only get worse from here if they continue putting in performances like they did on Saturday.

“It was ugly, it was a real procession,” Cornes said on AFL.com.au's The Round So Far.

“The first quarter numbers in this game were alarming. They were plus 18 in disposals and 15 in inside 50s. It was 23 to eight inside 50s in this term which was a real issue for Richmond.

“I just wonder whether they’ve given up, the Tigers.

“It’s a big thing to say and I know the personnel issues that they’ve got, but some of the vision that we saw with a lack of pressure, effort and any want to get after the opposition was a real concern.

“With such a long period to go for the rest of the season, I feel like it’s only going to get uglier.

“This was against a Western Bulldogs side that hasn’t been in good form, they were coming off a loss to a Hawthorn side that’s bottom four last week.

“They were absolutely belted from stoppage and off turnover it was alarming how easily the Dogs were able to score.”

While the Dogs were dominant to win so convincingly, Cornes didn’t think we learned much about Luke Beveridge’s side given how poor Richmond was.

Cornes also wants to see Tigers coach Adem Yze “get nasty” with his playing group to spark them into action.

“What do we learn about the Western Bulldogs? Not much,” Cornes said.

“Their next four weeks will become more of a learning experience for us. They have the Giants, Sydney, Collingwood and Brisbane.

“For Richmond, I’d just love the coach to get a little nasty now … you do have injuries, but that doesn’t excuse what we saw at the MCG.

“With 15 matches to go, it’s a long season when you’re beginning to give up already.”

Richmond next face Brisbane at the Gabba while the Bulldogs face GWS at Engie Stadium in Round 10.