Richmond put one foot in the Top Four
Richmond Tigers vs Hawthorn Hawks
| Teams | Goal | Point | Skor |
| Richmond Tigers | 13 | 15 | 93 |
| Hawthorn Hawks | 9 | 10 | 64 |
GOALS
Richmond: Caddy 4, C.Ellis 2, Martin 2, Rioli, Cotchin, Soldo, Prestia, Nankervis
Hawthorn: Miles 2, Breust 2, Schoenmakers 2, Roughead 2, Mitchell
Richmond have put themselves 8 points clear of 5th place with a 29 point win against Hawthorn at the MCG.
The lead up to the game was in great anticipation as the Hawks had been in fine form, much the similar to the Tigers. It was dubbed by some to be the game of the round. Richmond wore a special made jumper in honour of the Alannah & Madeline foundation, which provides services to keep children away from violence an abuse. It was the Tigers who came out of the blocks on fire, with smooth ball movement when they had the ball, and intense pressure when not in possession. This movement and pressure resulted in a 5 goal to 1 First Quarter.
When the second quarter started , the Hawks steadied the ship and tried to take control of the game and play on their own terms. They got the ball on their terms, but due to the great pressure shown by the Tigers players, they only managed one goal, in which the Tigers quickly replied by adding their own to the scoreboard.
After the main break, it was straight back into the action by the Tigers. A double to Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin, followed by a goal to Josh Caddy, the Tigers extended their lead going into the last quarter.
It was alarm bells ringing in the early parts of the Fourth Quarter when Luke Breust goaled for the Hawks. Tensions were settled though when Josh Caddy replied within a minute to put Richmond back into a comfortable lead. This joy was short-lived amongst the tiger faithful as the rest of the game turned into a slog fest. Richmond though, held out its nerve to finish the game off in style kicking the last goal of the game through the likes of Josh Caddy who finished off with 4 goals in the absence of Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt, who is battling an eye injury.
Damien Hardwick commented on the win, and emphasised the importance of the first quarter the Tigers put on show “The boys started well, we knew they were a fast-starting side, and our guys came to play early.”
Hawks coach Alastair Clarkson commented on Richmond work ethic, hardness and polish when in possession of the ball, stating, “They (Richmond) are as good as any side in the competition at making you pay on the turnover and getting open goals.”
Richmond look to continue their fine form next Saturday as they travel to Geelong to face the Cats. If won, they would look likely to move into second place and get the opportunity to play their first final at the home of football the MCG. They look like favourites going into the game with the cats facing injury and suspensions. Tom Hawkins was charged for 2 games by the Match Review Panel for his strike, Mitch Duncan for one game, and Joel Selwood looking to miss at least 3 weeks with an ankle injury. They will however call back Patrick Dangerfield, who returns from a one game suspension.
Hawthorn will face The Kangaroos in Hobart.
(Yas)
