RICHMOND has surrendered a late lead for the second straight week as Greater Western Sydney kicked a goal in the final minute to win by three points at Spotless Stadium on Saturday night.
The Giants never gave up despite trailing by 25 points at three-quarter time, and Jeremy Cameron's late goal sealed the 11.12 (78) to 10.15 (75) win.
Just moments earlier the Tigers thought they had sealed it after debutant Shai Bolton snapped a goal, but the score review showed it was touched and the Giants were able to reset.
The Tigers had started the game brilliantly with two goals in the opening minute to help them race away to a 31-point buffer at quarter-time.
Richmond led for all but the final moments, by 31 points at quarter-time, 21 at the main break and 25 at three-quarter time. The Giants had come as close as 15 points during the second term, but looked done and dusted until their final assault.
Richmond had chances early in the fourth quarter to close out the match but sprayed three shots wide, allowing the Giants an opportunity to conjure a big last push.
Top-possession gatherers Dustin Martin, Shaun Grigg and captain Trent Cotchin led by example, with the Tigers’ backmen impeccably organised by the classy Alex Rance.
Cameron kicked three goals for GWS, while Josh Kelly (32 touches) headed a gutsy midfield effort alongside Lachie Whitfield (30), Dylan Shiel (28) and Tom Scully (24).
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.2 4.5 6.9 11.12 (78)
RICHMOND 6.3 7.8 10.10 10.15 (75)
GOALS
Greater Western Sydney: Cameron 3, Reid 2, Scully, Lobb, Williams, Greene, Taranto, de Boer
Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Menadue 2, Cotchin 2, Castagna 2, Grigg, Lloyd
BEST
Greater Western Sydney: Kelly, Shiel, Wilson, Whitfield, Scully, Davis
Richmond: Rance, Martin, Grigg, Nankervis, Cotchin, Houli
INJURIES
Greater Western Sydney: Nil
Richmond: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fisher, Schmitt, Findlay
Official crowd: 10,677 at Spotless Stadium
