A combined seven goals from Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin have helped Richmond ignite their AFL season with a 24-point upset win over Geelong.
The Tigers booted six majors in their best opening quarter of the year and held the Cats at bay to post a 16.6 (102) to 11.12 (78) victory at the MCG on Friday night.
Richmond (3-1-5) have now won consecutive games for the first time in 2023 after ending a five-match losing streak in round eight.
But the latest triumph came at a cost, with midfielder Jacob Hopper substituted out of the game with a left calf muscle injury during the third quarter.
Cotchin returned after a week out of the Tigers' side and kicked three goals in his biggest tally in seven years, offering an important contribution at half-forward.
Martin booted four from 19 touches and Tim Taranto starred again with game-high tallies of 28 disposals, 12 tackles and six clearances.
Jayden Short (26 touches), Liam Baker (21) and Daniel Rioli (23) were all busy, while Dion Prestia celebrated his 200th game in style with 19 disposals and a goal.
Jack Riewoldt and Rhyan Mansell booted two each.
The Cats' stand-in captain Tom Stewart stepped up in the absence of injured skipper Patrick Dangerfield and had 24 disposals in a solid display.
But Geelong lacked spark, with Dangerfield one of eight premiership players missing through injury or suspension, and suffered their first defeat since round three.
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01:28
Round 9: Dusty's masterful four winds back clock
Dustin Martin conjures his best tally for the year with four goals for the team.
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08:26
Round 9: Match Highlights
Watch all the highlights from our Round 9 win against the Cats at the MCG.
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00:47
Round 9: Dusty delivers dagger with ultimate snap
Dustin Martin caps off a stellar evening with this mesmerising finish.
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00:38
Round 9: Cotchin completes his hat-trick as vintage Tigers continue
Trent Cotchin winds back the clock to notch his third goal of the match in some fashion.
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00:33
Round 9: Bolton breaks through for beautiful bender
Shai Bolton uses his sheer class to conjure this stunning goal.
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00:43
Round 9: Dusty doesn't miss these ones on the run
Dustin Martin is afforded too much space bursting forward and drills another for Richmond.
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00:43
Round 9: Cotchin kicks two in a row as Tigers tick
Trent Cotchin notches consecutive goals in style as Richmond continues to roll early.
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00:38
Round 9: Prestia picks his moment with epic goal in game 200
Dion Prestia continues his hot scoring form with this eye-catching major in his 200th game of AFL
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Highlights
Tom Hawkins kicked three goals from 11 disposals and had two goal assists in a tough battle with Richmond defender Noah Balta (17 touches, 11 intercepts).
Isaac Smith had 23 disposals and kicked a brilliant second-quarter goal on the boundary line.
Friday night's result was the Tigers' first win over the Cats since the 2020 grand final.
Player of the Match
Who was best on ground in our Round 9 win against Geelong? Vote to win a 2024 team-signed guernsey, team-signed footy, VIP match-day experience & photo with the team.
VOTE NOWRICHMOND 6.0 8.3 11.5 16.6 (102)
GEELONG 2.7 5.11 7.11 11.12 (78)
GOALS
Richmond: Martin 4, Cotchin 3, Mansell 2, Riewoldt 2, Graham, Rioli, Prestia, Bolton, Clarke
Geelong: Hawkins 3, Henry 2, Smith, Simpson, Duncan, Cameron, Bruhn, Blicavs
BEST
Richmond: Short, Rioli, Taranto, Balta, Baker
Geelong: Miers, Atkins, Duncan, Stewart, Cameron
INJURIES
Richmond: Rioli (left ankle), Hopper (left calf)
Geelong: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Judson Clarke (replaced Jacob Hopper in the third quarter)
Geelong: Jhye Clark (replaced Oliver Dempsey in the third quarter)
Crowd: 58,141 at the MCG
