Richmond will feature in the VFL’s Wildcard Round for the second consecutive season after defeating Carlton by nine points at IKON Park on Sunday morning, 12.13 (85) to 14.10 (94).
The nine-point win marks the Tigers’ second over the Blues this season, the first coming in Round 14 at the Swinburne Centre by 36 points.
In a thrilling second-half of football, The Blues overturned a 26-point deficit to establish a lead in the final term, however, two crucial goals from Noah Cumberland and Sam Davidson late in the game restored the lead for the Tigers, and saw off a resilient Carlton outfit.
A highlight came from VFL Tiger Tom McCarthy.
McCarthy’s (14 disposals, eight tackles and three marks) outstanding display of courage set up Liam Fawcett to kick his first of the morning.
A strong five-goal-to-two quarter saw the visitors ahead by 16 points at half time.
Off the back of returning from a nine-week injury in Richmond’s match against Sandringham last week, Archie May was again potent in the forward half on Sunday morning.
May kicked the all-important first goal of the second half and finished with two goals from his five shots at goal to go along with his 12 disposals and nine marks.
Despite winning the quarter, the Blues took advantage of the undisciplined Tigers to stay within touch.
The hosts converted two goals off the back of three 50-metre penalties conceded by the Tigers in the quarter.
AFL-listed Category B ruckman Oliver Hayes-Brown got in on the action with his first goal in the Yellow and Black, however, a game-high 26-point Tiger lead was cut down to just 14 points after the Blues converted on the three-quarter-time siren.
The Blues continued their momentum into the final term, kicking back-to-back goals, and establishing the lead for the first time since the first break.
Crucially for the Tigers, Noah Cumberland and Sam Davidson kicked two crucial goals to regain the lead for their side.
Davidson was outstanding on Sunday morning to finish with two goals from his 20 disposals.
In the end, the Tigers saw off an inspired Carlton outfit that fielded just two AFL-listed players and recorded their tenth win of the season.
Most crucially, the win secured a spot in this year’s VFL finals via the Wildcard Round.
With further details to be confirmed, Richmond will look ahead to their Wildcard challenge against sixth-placed Williamstown next week.
Carlton 4.3 6.5 10.7 12.13 (85)
Richmond 4.2 9.3 12.9 14.10 (94)
Goalkickers: May (2), Davidson (2), Cumberland (2), Yassine (2), Johnson (2), Wilson (2), Hayes-Brown, Fawcett
Best: Rioli, Dow, Davidson, Sonsie, Harris, Wilson, Johnson
