Giant crowd enjoys big win
A crowd of 14,974 people broke the AFL attendance record at Manuka Oval on Saturday, enjoying their day in the winter sun as the Giants blitzed the Tigers by 88 points. The Giants drew 13,656 to their tight win over Geelong in round two and 10,028 to their massive victory over the Power in round four for an average of 12,887 for their three Canberra games in 2016. The demolishing of the Tigers was also further proof the Giants love playing in Canberra. They kicked their highest first-quarter score (51) to help set up a clean sweep of wins at Manuka for the first time in five years. The expansive dimensions of the capital's venue suit the running prowess of the young midfield and Richmond coach Damien Hardwick likened the Giants to "a lamborghini".
No fears for Lobb
Rory Lobb has become an ideal partner to GWS ruckman Shane Mumford, as well as a handy marking forward, and is pushing for all-Australian selection in just his third season. So all eyes will be on Lobb this week after he injured his ankle during a marking contest in the third term and left Manuka Oval in a moon-boot. "I don't think there's big concerns at the moment," coach Leon Cameron said. "We'll find out tomorrow, assess where it's at and, hopefully, he's a chance to play next week."
Stevie J 'unique'
Steve Johnson started much of the first quarter as the extra man coming off half back at the centre stoppages and then cruising forward. And as usual he created plenty of headaches for the opposition with a centre clearance and two goals in the opening period, and was instrumental in setting up the 50-point lead at the first-quarter break. "He's a unique player. We're really happy to have him in our team," Cameron said.
Toby learning tricks
One player Johnson is having a big impact on is Toby Greene. The young forward has enjoyed a break-out year in 2016 and plays in a cheeky opportunistic style, much like the former Geelong veteran. Greene said post-game he lacks some of the "tricks" that Johnson possesses, but one snapped goal and another dribbled through suggests otherwise. He now has 34 majors for the year.
Tigers: what next?
The clean-out at Richmond in the off-season will be interesting. The strategy of recycling mature-age players has allowed the Tigers to finish in the eight in the past three seasons, but was ultimately unsuccessful as they failed to win a final. This year they have dropped to 13th. With Essendon openly considering trading their likely number-one draft pick, could the Tigers overhaul their list by offering up a star? Dustin Martin is too good to allow him to leave, Trent Cotchin is captain, Alex Rance is contracted and the removal of Jack Riewoldt would leave a gaping hole up forward. Which leaves Brett Deledio as the most likely. Big man Tyrone Vickery could also attract some suitors in trade week.
