I apologize for the delay in getting this report posted. I spent a long weekend in St. Louis, Missouri where my niece got married! Congrats to Karen and Matt Sifford! I wish you both Happily Ever After!

Just a reminder -- I'm no footy expert! The ideas expressed are accurate to the best of my wee, limited and infantile knowledge! Feel free to write me to set me straight if you disagree with anything I've said!

If I'd have known that the hotel in St. Louis offers high speed Internet access in each room for the low, low price (!) of $9.95/night, I'd have made it an early night and listened to the game via the Internet. I'm kicking myself that I missed the game, although I will admit that the hotel's hot tub from 11:00-midnight was deserted except for me, and oooooh, it was toasty, warm, and very, very nice!

ANYWAY...Richmond won!! We're on a two-game winning streak, and here's hoping we'll make it three on Easter weekend!

I'm sure everyone knows by now that the torrential rainfall was a major factor in the game. Richmond started the game in fine form when the weather was still good, and then continued to keep on pace even when the rain began. From everything I've read in the papers, I'm very optimistic about our improvement these past two games! GOOOO TIGERS!

Of course the main topic of Tiger conversation this week has been the recovery of Richo. I had no idea that you could put a plate in your cheek to mend a fractured cheekbone! I don't know what you think, but that sounds pretty awful to me! I can't believe Richo would even think about playing until the swelling is completely down and the injury is healed, and yet each week he's raring to go! No matter what you think of Richo, you've got to stand in amazement of his willingness to jump back into the game so quickly to help his team!

I'm debating whether or not to listen to this week's game via audio. Unlike Aussie's, most Americans don't have Easter Monday off work, so if I do stay up to catch the game, it will mean I'll only get 4 hours of sleep that night before work the next morning. I think that's a risk worth taking, don't you?!?! :-)

In the meantime, I thought I'd share a letter from my in-box. Chris Greenway has been dropping me a mail each week after the game. I've really enjoyed his point of view, thought you might enjoy it too!

And one more thing, before I wrap this up. Thanks to Gerry, another Yank who enjoys Aussie Rules Football! I've enjoyed your messages, Gerry! Keep 'em coming, and spread the news of AFL! It's a great sport!

Becky,

I'm glad you like my emails. I tend to be negative to a lot of commentators, but that's because most of them seem to have it in for Richmond. Dunstall isn't bad, but I can never forgive him for kicking 17 against us one cold day at Waverley. I was there that day. Do you know how soul destroying it is to see something like that? He tends to run down Richmond because he has memories of us being that bad.

Joel had a dirty day last week, imagine my surprise when I pick up the paper on Monday and some clown who obviously spent the day watching the game through the bottom of his glass has given him best on ground because he got 15 touches! It's so frustrating when Bowdo does things like this, because I honestly feel he is one of the most completely skilled players I've ever seen when he's on song. Hopefully he can turn it on this week against Freo.

Richo may not even be out a week. They're talking about him playing on Sunday. I saw it happen, it was right in front of me. It looked painful and I was surprised that he kept playing after doing it. As a friend at work said he's got such a big head no wonder it happened.

Unfortunately my mate Marty McGrath didn't get a guernsey. It looks like they're going to go with Mills, he's got a bit of height, but been tried before and found wanting. I'd rather they give a kid like McGrath or even Schultz a go.

Talk to you when you're back Becky.

Chris.