Richmond’s incredible comeback victory over Brisbane at the MCG yesterday, after trailing by seven goals during the second quarter, ranks right up there as the best come-from-behind win I’ve seen by the Tigers in my six decades as a Yellow and Black barracker.

Previous to yesterday’s match, this was my list of the top five Richmond comebacks I had witnessed (in chronological order) . . . 

Round 14, 1971 v St Kilda, Moorabbin Oval

Richmond was down by 30 points at three-quarter time but piled on 6.4 to 1.1 in the final term to emerge victorious by three points – 13.12 (90) to 13.9 (87). Barry Richardson booted five goals in a fine performance at full-forward for the Tigers.

Round 5, 1972 v Melbourne, MCG

The Tigers turned a 28-point deficit at the last change into a stirring five-point win – 13.11 (89) to 12.12 (84) – with a barnstorming finish (6.4 to 1.1). High-leaping ruckman Craig McKellar dominated the centre bounces in the last quarter, brilliant rover Kevin Bartlett was at his ‘ball-magnet’ best (32 disposals), while captain and champion centre half-forward Royce Hart finished with four goals.

1973 preliminary final v Collingwood, MCG

Richmond trailed by as much as 45 points during the second quarter and was still 36 points behind at half-time (same deficit as in yesterday’s game v Brisbane). Inspirational skipper Royce Hart, however, provided the impetus for an incredible Yellow and Black fightback, after spending the first half on the bench nursing an injured knee. Hart kicked two goals and had a hand in several others, as the Tigers stormed home to win by seven points – 15.15 (105) to 14.14 (98). Big Tiger forward Neil Balme starred with five goals.

1995 semi-final v Essendon, MCG

Richmond was staring down the barrel of a 30-point scoreboard shortfall at half-time, despite the brilliance of star midfielder Matthew Knights, who had contributed three of the team’s four goals during the opening two quarters. The Tigers turned the cut-throat final on its head in the third term, however, scoring 5.3 to 0.2 and going on to record a memorable 13-point victory – 12.14 (86) to 11.7 (73). Clever small forward Chris Naish and tough key defender-turned-forward Scott Turner, with two goals apiece, ignited Richmond’s charge.

Round 5, 2003 v Hawthorn, MCG

This was the day the Tigers produced the statistically biggest comeback win in their history. They were 51 points behind at one stage during the second quarter, but, amazingly, had hit the front less than a quarter later and ended up winning the match by 20 points – 18.7 (115) to 14.11 (95). Kane Johnson (30 disposals) and Wayne Campbell (29 disposals, two goals) were superb through the midfield, while Mark Coughlan and Greg Stafford led the way on the goalkicking front with three each.