It is late in the second quarter of last Saturday night’s Richmond v Western Bulldogs clash at the MCG with the Tigers having worked their way to a two-goal advantage . . .

There is a crucial contest on the MCC members’ wing between veteran Richmond star Trent Cotchin and Bulldogs young gun Bailey Smith.

Cotchin, who had made up considerable ground to apply plenty of pressure to Smith, falls over, but uses his vigour to keep the Bulldog from gaining possession, and then manages to tap the ball over to teammate Noah Balta, who bursts away.

Balta kicks long towards goal, where key forward Tom Lynch engages in a one-on-one duel with opponent Ryan Gardner.

Lynch outbodies him, runs on to the ball, and steers it through for a goal.

It’s a terrific team-lifting goal, initiated by a typically determined, selfless Cotchin act.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick paid tribute to the triple Tiger premiership captain post-match.

“You think about those big moments in big games, and this was one of those moments tonight, where he just got the fingertip and then he was on the ground, kept him out with strength and it leads to an amazing goal,” Hardwick said.

“That’s what he does.

“He can get more kicks, more handballs and all that sort of stuff, but it’s touches, and it’s moments, that define his career.

“That’s why I was really pleased with that one tonight.”

Cotchin had 16 disposals, 12 contested possessions, three inside-50s. three clearances, six intercepts, four score involvements and four one-percenters in Richmond’s 38-point victory.