Richmond survived a last-quarter onslaught by Casey, inflicting its first loss of 2023 with a meritorious 12-point win on the road on Sunday afternoon.
The Tigers set-up the win with a six-goal blitz in the second quarter, the final score board glowing in the golden sun, 14.10 (94) to 11.16 (82).
Richmond ventured south-east to Casey Fields where the undefeated Demons waited for their round five clash.
Casey was stocked with AFL talent, with twin towers, Ben Brown and Tom McDonald presenting imposing figures in attack.
The discrepancy of availability was like water off a duck’s back though for the unflappable Tigers.
Thomson Dow and Jack Ross led the charge from the opening bounce with their physicality and creativity by hand and foot.
The Tigers had poise forward of centre that had been missing at times in 2023, as Garrett McDonagh was found multiple times on the lead inside 50.
The Demons did kick the opening two goals, but then Richmond found its range.
The returning Brad Melville’s shot on goal dropped short where Cam Olden displayed the benefit of keeping your eye on the ball as he sprung and marked strongly.
Olden slotted the goal and got the ball rolling for the travelling Tigers.
Baby-faced tall, Archie May drew Richmond closer four minutes into the second term.
The Tigers scorching heat around the ball triggered an avalanche of goals, with the visitors rattling off five on the trot whilst constricting the life out of the Demons.
Richmond swiftly flipped the script and headed into half-time 24 points to the good.
The Tigers were ferocious and maniacal — their hallmark for over half a decade.
The third quarter was a goalfest, with 11 goals kicked between the two sides, which had fans casting their gaze to the timekeepers' box with the term running 36:51.
Casey gained an edge between the arcs, slotting 6.4 and dragging the margin back to 15 points by the final break.
Richmond managed to slot five goals of its own, two of them coming via the reliable right-boot of Ross.
The midfielder was incomparable, finishing with 27 disposals and two goals.
The Demons had their tails up in the last quarter, and the anxiety levels on-and-off the field reached fever pitch.
Richmond was able to withstand Casey’s surge, defending like their life depended on it.
The Tigers were able to control the tempo of the game, as they battened down the hatches in the frantic final minutes.
Melville bobbed up with his third goal, as Dow, Ross, Olden and skipper, Lachlan Street held firm in the furnace.
Jacob Bauer continued his upward trajectory as a bonafide swingman, standing Brown from wire-to-wire.
The 20-year-old has the enviable blend of athleticism, skill and smarts and is continuing to add layers and nuance to his defensive skillset.
CASEY 2.4 2.9 8.13 11.16 (82)
RICHMOND 1.2 7.3 12.4 14.10 (94)
Goal Kickers:
Richmond: Nathan (3), Melville (3), Ross (2), Olden, McDonagh, May, Hicks, Faimalo, Bilston-McGillen.
Best Players: Ross, Dow, Bauer, Nathan, Melville, Olden.
