RICHMOND 16.11 (107) def HAWTHORN 9.12 (66)
If there was any doubt whatsoever about Richmond’s credibility ahead of this coming finals series, it surely evaporated at the MCG on Saturday afternoon as the Tigers beat Hawthorn by 41 points.
It was Richmond’s 12th win of the season, but oddly enough the Tigers dropped from sixth to seventh, thanks to Collingwood belting Essendon by 79 points.
The Hawks went into the game as favourites but the Tigers signalled their intent from the outset with six goals to three in the opening term. However they were poor in the second term as the Hawks kicked the only three goals of the quarter to take a two-point lead into half-time.
But in the second half Richmond played some of its best football for the year. The Tigers’ work ethic was sensational, moving the ball forward at pace when they had it and harassing and restricting the Hawks players when they didn’t have it.
Four goals to one in the third quarter gave the Tigers an 18-point lead at three-quarter time and they got the big scalp they so wanted with six goals to two in the last term. The song was sung with great vigour by players, fans, staff and coaches alike.
Trent Cotchin had 34 touches for the Tigers and Bachar Houli 28. Jack Riewoldt kicked three goals. Hawthorn’s much-vaunted forward line failed to fire, a huge credit to Richmond. Paul Puopolo was the best for the Hawks with two goals.
Here are the highlights from the game:
HAWTHORN 3.4 6.8 7.10 9.12 (66)
RICHMOND 6.4 6.6 10.10 16.11 (107)
GOALS
Hawthorn: Puopolo 2, Franklin, Lewis, Smith, Burgoyne, Guerra, Ceglar, Hodge
Richmond: Riewoldt 3, McGuane 2, Edwards 2, White 2, Jackson 2, Maric, Newman, Foley, Martin, Tuck
BEST
Hawthorn: Smith, Lake, Lewis, Puopolo
Richmond: Rance, Cotchin, Ellis, Maric, Grigg, Chaplin, Martin, Astbury, Jackson
INJURIES
Hawthorn: Max Bailey (corked hip) replaced in selected side by Jonathon Ceglar
Richmond: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Hawthorn: Brendan Whitecross replaced Jonathon Ceglar in the third quarter.
Richmond: Shane Tuck replaced Orren Stephenson in the third quarter.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Nicholls, Pannell
Official crowd: 64,324 at the MCG