There were more spectacular feats than Mabior Chol’s chase-down tackle on the Jack Dyer Stand wing in the frenzied final term of Sunday's clash between Richmond VFL and Box Hill, but none held greater importance.
With Richmond clinging to a 10-point lead and Box Hill launching an attacking foray, Chol harassed, pestered, and ultimately stopped the Hawks in their tracks with his brilliant run-down tackle.
Moments earlier, Chol took a goal-saving mark deep in Richmond’s defensive-50, with his duo of selfless acts epitomising the Tigers’ barnstorming comeback.
Richmond found itself trailing by 19 points at the final change, but went on an eight-goal last quarter blitz to capture a memorable win, the final scores finishing 13.7 (85) to 10.9 (69).
A trio of key Tigers also shone brightly, as Ty Vickery, Andrew Moore and Bachar Houli stood-up when their numbers were called.
Vickery’s opening major of the final term lit the flame, and his second half-way through the quarter sent the faithful into raptures in what was a well crafted display by the big man.
A revitalised Andrew Moore was another who bagged a final-term double, with his first handing Richmond their first lead of the game, and his second sealing the win.
Moore’s maturity shone through when the game was in the balance, as he took it upon himself to rip the lead from the Hawks’ grasp with a major from the paint of the 50-metre arc.
It was a goal he had to kick, as Vickery was tearing towards goal, pleading for the ball, but he gleefully watched it sail through, and the Tigers swarmed to Moore.
Houli’s last quarter heroics reminded everyone just what a high-quality player and leader he is.
Houli was shifted on-ball in the final term in what proved a masterstroke.
He teamed perfectly with Ivan Maric, Moore and Tom Couch, with his piercing left boot, nous and guile allowing the Tigers to dominate in the centre square.
Houli conveyed serenity in the frantic final minutes, with his teammates following suit.
The Tigers slammed on eight goals to two in their best quarter of the year, which also showcased their immense improvement and growth.
The blitz of goals came via Vickery (two), Moore (two), Elton, Townsend, Marcon and Couch with singles.
Box Hill jumped Richmond early on, kicking two goals in the opening five minutes and finished the first term with three goals to zip.
The Tigers were matching it with their counterparts in the contest, but a number of turnovers cost them dearly, as Box Hill capitalised.
The Hawks are the best in the business at scoring from opposition turnovers, and the Tigers simply handed them the ball at times.
Box Hill struck first in the second term before Kane Lambert swooped at a forward-50 throw-in and nailed the Tigers first major for the day.
The Hawks would goal again, but inside-bull Jacob Ballard responded with customary poise, which clicked the Tigers into gear.
Box Hill naggingly kept taking their chances forward of centre as the Tigers squandered theirs, before Couch made his presence felt with a calming major.
Richmond trailed by 25 points at the main break, but should have been much closer.
The Tigers got the game on their terms in the third quarter, which laid the foundations for the final quarter onslaught.
Richmond ruckman Maric bagged a third-term double, which kept his side in touch with Box Hill.
The Tigers slotted 10 goals to three post half-time in what was their best performance of the year.
Coach Craig McRae welcomed Couch back with open arms, as the midfielder bundled his 29 disposals with two goals, with Andrew Moore (28, two goals), Jacob Townsend (28), and Houli (24) offering outstanding support.
Richmond hosts Frankston next Saturday, July 30 at Punt Road Oval from 11am.
