Richmond’s rousing Round 1 comeback victory over Carlton is the equal-fifth biggest in the Club’s history. The Tigers turned a 41-point deficit in the second quarter into a memorable 13-point win.
Here are the other top five Tiger comeback wins . . .
51 points v Hawthorn, Round 5, 2003, MCG
Richmond was 51 points behind at one stage during the second quarter, but, amazingly, had hit the front less than a quarter later after kicking a staggering 14 consecutive goals, and ended up winning the match by 20 points – 18.7 (115) to 14.11 (95). Kane Johnson (30 disposals) and Wayne Campbell (29 disposals, two goals) were excellent through the midfield, while Mark Coughlan and Greg Stafford led the way on the goalkicking front with three apiece.
48 points v Sydney, Round 21, 1982, SCG
The Tigers were completely blown away in the opening quarter, kept goalless while the home team slammed on eight goals. But they responded superbly in the second term with nine goals and wore the Swans down to win by 17 points – 19.13 (127) to 16.14 (110). Gun full-forward Brian Taylor kicked seven goals, veteran star Kevin Bartlett booted three goals, while rover Robert Wiley with 38 disposals, and centreman Geoff Raines, 32 disposals, dominated.
45 points v Collingwood, preliminary final, 1973, MCG
Richmond trailed by as much as 45 points during the second quarter and was still 36 points behind at half-time. But champion centre half-forward and inspirational captain Royce Hart provided the impetus for an incredible Yellow and Black fightback, after spending the first half on the bench nursing an injured knee. Hart kicked two goals and had a hand in several others, as the Tigers stormed home to win by seven points – 15.15 (105 to 14.14 (98). Big forward Neil Balme starred with five goals.
42 points v Brisbane, Round 20, 2022, MCG
After conceding the first six goals of the game, and still trailing by 36 points at half-time, Richmond produced a top-class third quarter to reduce the deficit to just 11 points at the final change. The Tigers hit the front midway through the last quarter and held on to win by seven points – 15.14 (104) to 14.13 (97). Young forward Noah Cumberland kicked five goals, Tom Lynch booted four goals, and Shai Bolton was superb with 24 disposals and two goals.
41 points v Hawthorn, Round 21, 2005, Marvel Stadium
Behind by 41 points early in the third quarter, Richmond managed to halt the Hawks’ momentum, then seized the initiative, and went into the final term only two goals down. The Tigers eventually prevailed by four points in a shootout – 20.17 (137) to 21.7 (133). Superstar key forward Matthew Richardson kicked four goals, Ray Hall scored three goals and ball-magnet midfielder Shane Tuck racked up 31 disposals in a highly-productive performance.
