I have a feeling that I've been here before. That's probably because I have.

Anyone who has followed Richmond for any length of time will be familiar with this story. A promising start to the season, then all of a sudden players form drops off, injuries mount and the skill errors creep back in. Before anyone knows it Richmond are out of the 8 and in crisis mode as they lose game after game. Another season that could have been gone begging. Interestingly enough it generally starts mid way through the season and it is usually an important game against the Roos that starts the rot.

This was an important game. Richmond needed to win it, it was that simple. Unfortunately Richmond circa 2004 turned up to play, not the hard running, exciting side that Terry Wallace has moulded. Another slow start allowed the Kangaroos to set up a decent lead, Richmond reeled it in twice, but their inaccuracies in front of goal cost them dearly.

Richmond began the 3rd quarter in fightback mode and actually took the lead. As quick as that happened the Roos rattled on 6 unanswered goals, their tear was begun by Greg Tivendale who 'gave' them at least 2 of those goals from errors on his part. From that point on the game was over. Wallace ripped into the players at 3 quarter time, but he knew it was an insurmountable task. I know 29 points doesn't seem like a bad loss and 30 shots at goal is also generally a good sign, but the Kangaroos are a bottom 4 side with fight, that's it. They shouldn't have even been able to get close, yet they beat us. Buckle in, because the slide to the bottom has begun and it's a quick ride.

Player review:

2. Darren Gaspar, had a bad one. His opponent was the Roos dominant forward with 5 goals, uncharacteristically sloppy disposal

3. Brett Deledio, another busy game. Prominent early, but faded a little after half time.

4. Andrew Raines, came in when Chris Hyde was dropped. Didn't disappoint, one of the few bright spots for Richmond. Uncannily like his father, if he's half as good the side has a champion on it's hands.

5. Troy Simmonds, he may as well have not turned up. His immediate future will be under the microscope.

6. Mark Chaffey, he always gives it everything, but his everything just isn't enough. His direct opponent is generally damaging. He may survive until the mid season break, but then he'll be playing for Coburg.

9. Wayne Campbell, his experience is useful off the bench and he can generally make things happen.

10. Greg Stafford, still recovering from the ankle injury, better than last week, but not 100% yet.

11. Joel Bowden, one of the few winners in defence.

12. Matthew Richardson, not one he'll want to remember. One of the worst offenders when it came to converting points into goals.

13. Trent Knobel, his sheer size and clumsiness caused a couple of mistakes, but he was the best ruckman in the middle and around the ground.

15. Kayne Pettifer, liked his game, always dangerous and if he can learn to get the ball on quickly to other forwards instead to trying to do it all himself he'll be even more valuable.

17. Kane Johnson, best on ground for Richmond. Never stopped trying and led by example.

20. Ray Hall, started off well, but finished the day by being beaten.

21. Shane Tuck, not as influential as he has been. Was badly missed when he went off in the 3rd quarter. Aparently suffering from a virus.

22. Danny Meyer, late inclusion for Rory Hilton. Made the most of the little time he got on the ground. Looks to be player and should get more games and longer on the ground.

23. Daniel Jackson, starting to become a worry. Not developing as everyone would have hoped.

24. Mark Coughlan, another midfield trier. Always getting the hard ball and usually delivers it well.

27. Andrew Krakouer, despite a case of the yips was Richmonds most likely to kick a bag.

32. Greg Tivendale, if there is an award for worst on ground he won it hands down. Gave away at least 3 goals from mistakes and lost count of how many mistakes he actually made. Should never be allowed to pull on a Richmond jumper again.

34. Mark Graham, doesn't get a lot of game time, but is generally useful when he's there. I am still of the opinion that it's time for him to make way for a younger player.

35. Chris Newman, along with Bowden another defensive winner. Drifted forward for a couple of badly needed goals and may be better used in the midfield depending on team structure.

39. Andrew Kellaway, quiet day and like others couldn't get into the game.