The Selkirk Roosters fell 32 points short of Richmond, allowing the Tigers to break their own six-game losing streak in the Victorian Football League.

Richmond was hardly stellar, either. There was only goal scored in the first 28-minute quarter at Eureka Stadium. Play was scrappy, an inefficient from both teams.

The Roosters matched the Tigers statistically in disposals, deliveries inside the forward-50 metres, tackles and clearances – all the markings of a close contest and it was.

Except, the Roosters missed a couple of handy shots when it counted most.

Twice in the third quarter the Roosters pegged the margin back to two points before a couple of Tiger goals flattered the margin out to 15 by the final break. 

Both teams started to make their moves on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter, when doing one percenters right really started to show. A clever goal from defender Tony Lockyer on the boundary, 12 minutes in, kept the Roosters in contention before the Tigers booted three quick goals to power away.

Roosters coach Gerard FitzGerald said his team had been good defensively for a long time, method was sound, but efficiency started to drop.

“Our tackles were down 11 in the last quarter. We have to be able to continue working at or close to our best for long enough,” FitzGerald said.

“Our last quarter was when the largest number of boys didn’t achieve one percenters – the work was left too much to too few.”

North Melbourne-listed onball duo Ryan Bastinac (34 disposals, 15 clearances) and Brad McKenzie (24 disposals) were impressive in their tenacity and skill.

Roosters forward James Keeble maintained high energy levels and strong on-field leadership. Defender Luke Kiel shut down in-form Tiger Sam Lloyd and kept him to 12 touches, one goal.