Richmond has pulled off a remarkable victory against Sydney, clawing back from 32 points to snatch an 18-point victory at the SCG.
The Tigers looked set for defeat after a disappointing first half, but a seven-goal third quarter flipped the game on its head, and they eventually kicked 11 goals to three in the second half to secure a significant result.
It was Richmond’s first win at the SCG since 2004, and its fourth victory from five interstate matches so far in the 2015 season.
Tigers’ spearhead Jack Riewoldt was brilliant, booting six goals in a match-winning performance, including two crucial majors in the final term.
He also collected 13 disposals, and took nine marks, including six inside 50.
Richmond midfielders Trent Cotchin and Anthony Miles were outstanding at the coalface, particularly in the second half.
WATCH: Cotchin's clever snap
Miles amassed 29 disposals, had six clearances, seven tackles and kicked a goal.
Cotchin was everywhere in the second half, finishing with 27 possessions and five inside 50s.
Alex Rance was steadfast in defence, conceding two first-half goals in his duel during the first half, but blanketing the Swans’ star in the last two quarters.
It was a scrappy opening to the game, as both sides adjusted to the slippery conditions, with clearances and contested possessions shared and clear-cut chances coming at a premium.
It was the Tigers who struck first when Riewoldt effected a forward 50 tackle and slotted the goal – the first of three shots he had for the quarter.
The teams traded goals, before the Swans snuck ahead when Franklin took advantage of a midfield turnover to kick a set shot from 20 metres out.
Sydney exploded in the second quarter on the back of a heavily skewed uncontested possession count, with the Swans’ midfielders controlling the contest.
It resulted in the home side kicking the first three goals of the term – they came from former Tiger Tom Derickx, Franklin and Gary Rohan.
Riewoldt arrested the momentum briefly with a strong contested mark and set shot, but Sydney finished with goals to Daniel Hannebery and Josh Kennedy to take a 32-point lead into the main break.
WATCH: Ivan's soccer sealer
Franklin was reported during the second quarter, for rough conduct against Shane Edwards.
Richmond picked up its rating early in the third quarter, and it was rewarded on the scoreboard.
Cotchin sparked the seven-goal quarter with a remarkable snap off the deck while being tacked.
In a run of four straight goals, Brett Deledio, Ty Vickery and Brendon Ellis all goaled to bring the margin back to seven points.
The Swans answered with two quick majors to kick clear, but Richmond responded, hitting the lead after Nathan Gordon converted from a set shot, and Riewoldt snapped his fourth.
Riewoldt added his fifth from a set shot to start a nervous last term, but Sydney kept fighting, drawing level through Kurt Tippett heading into time-on.
The Tigers finished strongly, booting the last three goals of the game to end an unforgettable night.
FINAL SCORES
Sydney: 3.4 8.7 10.8 11.11.77
Richmond: 2.4 3.5 10.10 14.11.95
GOALS
Sydney: Franklin 2, Rohan 2, Parker 2, Derickx, Hannebery, Kennedy, Mitchell, Tippett
Richmond: Riewoldt 6, Newman, Cotchin, Deledio, Vickery, Ellis, Gordon, Maric, Miles
BEST
Sydney: Kennedy, Parker, McVeigh, Hannebery, Rohan, Grundy
Richmond: Riewoldt, Cotchin, Miles, Rance, Ellis, Maric
