Richmond’s road to premiership glory in 2017 will be re-lived at richmondfc.com.au through our match reports and video highlights of each Tigers win during the season.
In a special off-season series until Wednesday, November 22, you can again savour the sweet taste of Tiger success, culminating in the sweetest of them all – the Grand Final victory over Adelaide. Today we look back to Richmond getting the job done on the road in Round 19...
AT TIMES it wasn't pretty, but Richmond has kept its charge towards the top-four rolling with a 33-point win over a gutsy Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.
After an indifferent start, the Tigers kicked five goals to one in the second quarter and were rarely troubled in their 14.14 (98) to 10.5 (65) victory.
The win moved Richmond back into fourth spot after Port Adelaide momentarily leapfrogged it with a remarkable last-gasp victory over St Kilda earlier in the evening.
The stars again shone for the Tigers, with Dustin Martin (34 disposals) and skipper Trent Cotchin (25) leading the way, while Brandon Ellis (27 and three goals assists) was also terrific.
Without star forward Jack Riewoldt (eye), the Tigers were able to fashion a winning score, with ruckman Toby Nankervis and livewire forwards Daniel Rioli and Jason Castagna each kicking three goals.
"We probably didn't capitalise as much as we would have liked," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.
"We probably weren't quite at our best today but still got the job done, which good sides win sometimes when they're not playing at their absolute best.
"We were disappointed with our finishing on goals today, probably butchered a couple of opportunities as well, which we'll go through the tape.
"I think overall our guys were trying to do the right thing and bring teammates into the game, but probably got ourselves in trouble a little bit at various stages."
Rioli kicked his three in the first quarter, Nankervis his three in the second, and Castagna his three after half-time following some early game kicking yips.
Gold Coast had a horror night on the injury front and did well to be as competitive as it was.
Already missing co-captain Steven May, the Suns lost Gary Ablett (hamstring) prior to the game and Callum Ah Chee (shoulder), Alex Sexton (face) and Ben Ainsworth (knee) by early in the third term.
They finished with just one fresh body on the bench but battled hard.
Aaron Hall was tireless and finished with 40 disposals, while Pearce Hanley (30) was back near his efficient best.
Tom Lynch was beaten by Alex Rance in the first half, but worked hard to finish with three goals.
A career-best three goals each for these two #AFLSunsTigers #gotiges pic.twitter.com/awIj98nBKF
— Richmond FC (@Richmond_FC) July 29, 2017
For the Tigers, it was a workmanlike victory in Shane Edwards' 200th game.
Martin wasn't at his destructive best, but was still the finest player afield, with seven clearances and a goal to go with his touches.
His contested mark and goal with Adam Saad draped all over him in the third quarter summed up the difference between the teams.
In the game-winning second quarter, Richmond completely dominated, winning the disposals (102-74), contested possessions (41-31) and clearances (12-4) to set up a 23-point lead at the main break.
GOLD COAST 4.2 5.3 8.4 10.5 (65)
RICHMOND 3.4 8.8 11.11 14.14 (98)
GOALS
Gold Coast: Lynch 3, Miller, Rosa, Wright, Saad, Fiorini, Martin, Lonergan
Richmond: Rioli 3, Nankervis 3, Castagna 3, Grigg, Caddy, Cotchin, Martin, C. Ellis
BEST
Gold Coast: Hanley, Hall, Swallow, Martin, Fiorini, Witts
Richmond: Martin, Cotchin, Rance, Rioli, B. Ellis, Miles
INJURIES
Gold Coast: Ah Chee (shoulder), Sexton (jaw), Ainsworth (knee)
Richmond: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Gavine, Fleer
Official crowd: 16,207 at Metricon Stadium