When we allocate games here, at The Mongrel Punt, I get first choice because I do so many of them.
I reckon there was a bit of bemusement amongst the team when they opened up the shared document, and there was my name next to the 15th versus 18th clash of the Eagles against the Tigers. I mean, these teams were supposed to be on the same level as Essendon, right – unwatchable?
Nah, not if you know what you’re looking for.
Both sets of supporters are hungry for success, and that success might seem a way off at this point. However, it is in these games, at this point of the teams’ respective developments, that you start to see which players are going to be there when they’re up and about again.
And so, I was thrilled to settle in and watch the Tiger Cubs and the Eaglets go at it in the West. And as the game progressed, my faith in these two young teams was rewarded.
Result aside, what we saw was a pair of teams that have their futures developing right in front of our eyes. Some have been quick to get onboard with a few select players, and have been just as quick to lament the form of others, but in this one, what I was wanting to see were signs.
Signs that players were willing to step up.
Signs that players could take the game on when it mattered.
And signs that any criticism they’ve received may be far too premature.
I got everything I wanted out of this contest, and even though the Tigers walked with away with a hard-fought win, notching their first four points of the 2026 season, there was a lot to sink our teeth into when it came to both sides.
And so, here we go – let’s jump into The Mongrel’s Talking Points from the Richmond win against the West Coast Eagles.
This is just the introduction – the remainder of this article is for our members. They support me, and I provide for them. It’s a good deal.
Oh… a Mongrel paywall… the worst of all paywalls. We’re all in on the 2026 AFL season. Player articles, stats, awards, game coverage. Dump the mainstream lip service and dive into articles like this – you will never look back. If you don’t want to, that’s fine. I consider it your loss as we get into the grind of the season, and you’re stuck with the stuff that’s frustrated you for years.
