Tiger Time at the MCG

Richmond Tigers vs Greater Western Sydney Giants

Team	Goal	Point	Skor
Richmond Tigers	9	10	64
Greater Western Sydney Giants	6	9	45

GOLLER

Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Martin, McIntosh, Lambert, Castagna, Rioli, Caddy, Nankervis 

Greater Western Sydney: Haynes, Patton, Greene, Whitfield, Kelly, Ward

Richmond have come out on top at the MCG against premiership front runners the GWS Giants, beating them by 19 points in wet and wild conditions.

After a slow start to the game in which GWS had control, limiting the Tigers to only 2 points, the Tigers responded after quarter time, kicking 9 of the last 12 goals for the remainder of the game. Richmonds on ballers were prolific in the win, In which Captain Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin played a central role from the middle of the park. Martin seemed to put another 3 votes into the Brownlow bag, pushing his chances of winning the Brownlow even further.

The game started with great intensity from the Giants, with the Tigers showing little to no resistance in trying to equalise on the scoreboard. Pressure around the ball, along with great ball movement allowed for them to kick away to a 3 goal lead going into the first break.

The quarter time huddle allowed for the Tigers to regroup and address the issues at hand. They responded in great fashion, kicking an early goal via goal sneak Daniel Rioli. They also added with the next 3 goals, going into the halftime break in front by a goal.

With the beginning of the third quarter came the same play that saw Richmond take the lead going into the break. They played a fast flowing brand of football with a need to play on and keep the ball going forward. It was a great tactic which stemmed the ability of the Giants great defending, not allowing for them to set up defensive plays in time. Moving in numbers, it was truly awe inspiring seeing the Tigers move the ball going forward. It was another great quarter from the Tigers which allowed for them to take a 27 point lead going into the Final Quarter.

The last quarter looked to be an exciting one with the Giants kicking the first two goals, until Jason Castagna kicked a goal in reply to settle the Tiger faithful’s nerves. In demanding conditions, the Tigers eventually came out on top, moving into fourth spot going late into the season.

The win is of great importance to the Tigers players and fans, as it further asserts the fact that they mean business going into the finals, after a disappointing finals campaign the last 3 times they played in September. A fourth place finish gives the Tigers a double chance, which they have not had since the Early 2000s.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick had a few words to say during the post match press conference. He applauded his senior players “I was really impressed with Trent, Dustin, Alex and Jack. They responded really well in the second quarter which going us going.”

Ex Richmond player and current GWS Coach Leon Cameron talked about an inconsistent effort from the GWS players, saying “the first and last quarters were fine, but we were very ordinary in the second and third. Richmond tackled very well and held up our play.” He also commented on Toby Greene’s strike on Alex Rance, stating that Toby, as well as several other players have disciplinary issues at times.

In terrible conditions, the Tigers came out on top, and beat a great young team in the Giants. Richmond travel this week, facing the Gold Coast Suns on Saturday night.

The Giants play Fremantle at home.

(Yas)