If Richmond was going to win Friday night's preliminary final against Geelong, it was probably always going to be narrowly given their injury woes during the game.
Early in the first term defensive runner Jack Graham suffered a dislocated right shoulder.
Graham looked in immense pain as he came from the ground after an awkward tackle, but played out the match to finish with seven disposals and five tackles.
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After going down into the rooms for treatment for about 20 minutes the youngster returned to ensure his team wasn't down a rotation.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick reserved special praise for the efforts of Graham after the game.
"If I'm going to be honest, we packed him up at half-time," Hardwick said.
"We saw him walking off the ground and we spoke to him over the phone, asking him whether he could go on. He said, 'yep, I can do it'.
"Where it ends up with Jack, we're not too sure. But what I know is that there will be a chapter in our history that has a massive positive thing for Jack Graham.
"That effort was simply incredible."
Speaking to the media ahead of scans on the shoulder on Saturday morning, Graham said his focus was still on taking his place in next week's season decider.
“I’m not ruling myself out, that’s definite. I’ll put my hand up to play if I am fit and ready,” he said.
“It’s still hanging on, which is the main thing. There’s a week before the game so I’ll do everything I can to get it right.
“I’ll ice it up all week, see what I can do, see how it is and just go from there.
“It’s unfortunate, but that’s part of footy. I’ve been bloody lucky so far since joining Richmond, but obviously it’s a bit sad.
“There’s a chance I’m not going to be playing, but I’m rapt for the boys and this club to be in this position again because we deserve it.
“We were a bit sour after last year, but we’re on the hunt again and we’re one win away.
“It’s a long season and everyone has their say. Everyone wants to write us off, but this group is pretty special. Our VFL side play in a Grand Final on Sunday we will get along and support the guys.
“It’s a good place to be at Richmond. There’s an awesome vibe and everyone is up and about.”
