In the wake of Melbourne Renegades’ stunning comeback victory over Melbourne Stars in yesterday’s Big Bash League final, Tony Greenberg lists (in chronological order) the top five Richmond come-from-behind wins he’s seen throughout the past 50 years.
Round 14, 1971 v St Kilda, Moorabbin Oval
Richmond was down by 30 points at three-quarter time, but piled on 6.4 to 1.1 in the final term to emerge victorious by three points – 13.12 (90) to 13.9 (87). Barry Richardson booted five goals in a fine performance at full-forward for the Tigers.
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Round 5, 1972 v Melbourne, MCG
Richmond turned a 28-point deficit at three-quarter time into a stirring five-point win – 13.11 (89) to 12.12 (84) – with a barnstorming finish (6.4 to 1.1). High-leaping ruckman Craig McKellar dominated the centre bounces for the Tigers in the last quarter, while champion rover Kevin Bartlett was at his ‘ball-magnet’ best.
1973 preliminary final v Collingwood, 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 Tiger forward Neil Balme starred with five goals.
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1995 semi-final v Essendon, MCG
Richmond was staring down the barrel of a 30-point scoreboard shortfall at half-time, despite the brilliance of star midfielder Matthew Knights, who had contributed three of the team’s four goals during the opening two quarters. The Tigers turned the cut-throat finals on its head in the third term, however, scoring 5.3 to 0.2 and going on to record a memorable 13-point victory – 12.14 (86) to 11.7 (73). Nippy small forward Chris Naish and tough key defender-turned-forward Scott Turner, with two goals apiece, ignited Richmond’s charge.
Round 5, 2003 v Hawthorn, MCG
This was the day the Tigers produced the statistically biggest comeback win in their history. They were 51 points behind at one stage during the second quarter, but, amazingly, had hit the front less than a quarter later 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 superb through the midfield, while Mark Coughlan and Greg Stafford led the way on the goalkicking front with three each.
