Managed to avoid the score, watched the game this morning. First thought is if umpires don't start paying 50's against Richmond's "professional" frees, they'll keep using them as a consistent tactic to slow forward 50 entries to a crawl.

Secondly, Trent Cotchin should have copped a report for that "tackle" on Jones. He could have broken his neck. Lynch should get a match, but won't. Richmond were switched on, and are going to be a tough ask. Saints are a dangerous team

And I didn't think they put in a poor performance, but they were beaten by a side that has one of the most complete team games I've seen since Hawthorn's dominant era.

The commentators made remarks about "undisciplined" acts, but make no mistake, they're coached to push continually against the lines of the rules, and physically be aggressive towards their opponents, its as much a hallmark as their strong run back team defence.

Saints are on the right track, and showed signs throughout as to why they earned their finals spot. Unfortunately for them and their supporters they were without Ryder, and some other key players (Battle for a full quarter? I presume until the pain killers kicked in).