Richmond VFL 12.13-85 def Collingwood VFL 11.7-73
The VFL Tigers came up trumps in a thrilling elimination final, downing Collingwood by 12 points at North Port Oval on Saturday.
After the Tigers controlled the first half in a commanding defensive display, Collingwood clawed their way back into the contest, and eventually took the lead midway through the final term.
However, with all to play for in the dying moments, Sam Lloyd and Jake Batchelor slotted huge majors to seal a memorable victory against their old rivals.
A jubilant Craig McRae hailed the team effort of his side in the thrilling victory, and gave credit to the strong resolve of the Pies.
“All credit to Collingwood, they got themselves back into the game well,” McRae said.
“We’re just really proud of how the guys stuck together in that situation.”
McRae also highlighted the key roles of Lloyd and Miles in the win, citing their experience and composure as key factors in the win.
“Their impact was huge,” he said.
“We don’t often like to point out individuals, but I did give credit to Lloydy in the rooms for his goal.
“Their impact on the game was really pleasing.”
Kicking with the wind in the opening quarter, the VFL Tigers wasted no time in stamping their presence on the contest, slotting four goals in the first term, while restricting the Pies to a solitary point in the process.
Corey Ellis opened the account for the day with a thumping set shot from beyond 50, before a pinpoint Lloyd pass set up Taylor Hunt for a quick-fire second.
Callum Moore added one more before the siren, hammering home the advantage after a series of missed opportunities plagued the VFL Tigers.
At the other end of the ground, Mabior Chol was thwarting every attack with his strong aerial presence, while Jayden Short and Sam Darley were combining to deadly effect coming off half-back.
The Tigers’ momentum continued into the second stanza, with a second to Moore and a first to Ben Griffths cementing the margin.
Collingwood held strong for the remainder of the quarter, and Mason Cox opened their account for the day moments before the siren blew.
Clearly discontent with their first half performance, the Pies came flying out of the gates in the second, and by the final change, the VFL Tigers’ lead had been trimmed down to a mere 10 points.
Shai Bolton provided a quick answer to Jesse White’s goal for the Pies, with a silky pick up and clever left-footed snap, while Anthony Miles stood up in the heat of battle, his goal keeping the Pies at bay as Cox grabbed two more.
With a spot in next week’s semi-final up for grabs, both sides battled hard into the final quarter, with two goals to Bolton and Ben Lennon creating a handy buffer for the VFL Tigers in the opening minutes.
However, the Pies had been chasing a deficit all day, and continued to fight at every contest, getting their reward through three quick goals that turned the clash on its head.
Unbelievably, the Pies then grabbed the lead with 20 minutes played in the final term, thanks to an emphatic Chris Mayne set shot.
With their season on the line, the VFL Tigers kicked into gear, piling forward in a desperate attempt to regain the lead.
After Steve Morris scored a behind to bring the sides onto level terms, the stage was set for Sam Lloyd, who produced a brilliant set shot from a tight angle to send the Tiger fans into overdrive.
Jake Batchelor then sealed the win, wandering forward and dribbling home a left-footed effort from 25 metres out, putting the game beyond the hard-working Pies.
The VFL Tigers battled it out for one more minute, before a long-overdue siren confirmed a coveted spot in a highly anticipated semi-final for McRae’s side.
Richmond VFL will return to North Port Oval next Saturday to face Casey. Further information, including timings and ticketing, will be provided early next week.
