Richmond coach Adem Yze threw his support behind Tim Taranto after the midfielder conceded a 50-metre penalty and goal during a heated scuffle late in the second quarter of Sunday’s clash with Hawthorn. The incident unfolded when Taranto knocked over Hawks skipper James Sicily, sparking a fiery melee that is expected to result in fines for around a dozen players. While Yze admitted that Taranto may have gone a little too far, he praised his vice-captain for standing up for young teammate Maurice Rioli Jnr. Sicily had roughed up Rioli after winning a free kick for a tackle, and Yze made it clear he’d rather see his players show fight than back away from such situations.
The clash quickly escalated into an all-in confrontation involving players from both sides. Hawks veteran Jarman Impey, typically composed, became noticeably agitated when he tried to pull Richmond’s Toby Nankervis off young Hawk Nick Watson and ended up facing off with Tiger debutant Jonty Faull. Reflecting on the incident after the game, Impey downplayed it, describing it as a heat-of-the-moment flare-up with no hard feelings. He emphasized that it was nothing serious, and that tensions like that naturally emerge in the thick of competition. “We all sort of laughed about it afterward,” he said, insisting no personal provocation had occurred.
Meanwhile, Richmond defender Noah Balta, returning for the first time since his conviction related to an off-field incident, was met with boos throughout the match but kept his distance from the fracas.
Hawks coach Sam Mitchell also brushed off the scuffle, choosing instead to focus on the physical brand of football his team brought to their 65-point triumph over Richmond. He emphasized that playing tough was part of the Hawks’ identity and credited his team for delivering a strong performance on what was a significant day in club history. The match marked the club’s 100-year anniversary, with legends and premiership heroes in attendance, creating an emotionally charged environment. Mitchell admitted the occasion was a challenge to process emotionally before kickoff, but was pleased his players rose to it.
Mitchell, a four-time premiership player himself, said reconnecting with club icons like Shane Crawford, David Parkin, and hearing Robert DiPierdomenico express a desire to run out onto the ground, gave the day a unique and powerful atmosphere. Though not a flawless performance, the Hawks were dominant, with Mitchell particularly impressed by Tom Barrass’s defensive efforts in the opening quarter, when Richmond looked most threatening.
He also defended captain James Sicily, who struggled with his usually precise kicking. Mitchell said he had no concerns, praising Sicily’s resilience and continued hunger for the contest. Despite recent off-form performances, Mitchell believes Sicily’s best football lies ahead, crediting his mental toughness and leadership.
As the game progressed, the Hawks’ ball movement improved notably, especially in the second half. Impey and Massimo D’Ambrosio were pivotal in creating run from defence, building on the solid foundation set earlier. A special highlight came when veteran forward Jack Gunston slotted his 500th career goal in the third term, moving him to eighth on the club’s all-time goalkickers list—still far behind the legendary Jason Dunstall, whose No.19 jersey he now wears.
For Richmond, it was a dismal outing. They managed just six goals all game, with their first not arriving until just before halftime—avoiding the ignominy of being the first Tigers side since 1996 to go goalless in a first half. In contrast, the Hawks’ emphatic victory served as a statement of intent. While it’s unclear just how far this side can go in 2025, their steady form and unity suggest the sky may indeed be the limit.
“It was in the heat of the battle,” Impey said. “But the sky is the limit.”
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