Richmond has fallen five points short of premiership contender Geelong, in a spirited performance on a wet Sunday afternoon at the MCG.
The Cats lead by as many as 35 points late in the second quarter, but the Tigers kicked four quick goals after being held goalless for most of the first half, setting up an enthralling finish.
Richmond kicked eight goals to Geelong’s four in the second half, but the Cats shut down the game in the last ten minutes, making it difficult for the Tigers to penetrate forward, with Harry Taylor controlling the backline with seven intercept marks.
Two late goals to the Tigers from Jack Riewoldt and Sam Lloyd brought the margin within one kick, but the siren sounded as Lloyd’s goal went through.
Richmond controlled the ball on the outside for much of the day, finishing with 44 more disposals, but the Cats proved too dangerous going forward, making the most of their inside 50 entries.
Richmond’s run from half-back was the main catalyst for the comeback, as they utilised the spare man to great advantage. The returns of Alex Rance (18 disposals, six rebound 50s) and Brett Deledio (23 disposals, five inside 50s) proved vital to the ball movement.
Shane Edwards provided some spark when he came on as the substitute for Nathan Gordon at half-time, with nine disposals and two third-quarter goals, including a brilliant chase-down tackle inside forward 50 which resulted in his first major.
David Astbury collected another scalp, keeping Tom Hawkins goalless, while collecting 18 disposals and six rebound 50s on the attack.
Reece Conca was one of the best players on the ground, providing brilliant run all day through the midfield. He collected 28 disposals, seven inside 50s, nine tackles, four clearances and two goal assists.
Cameron Guthrie had the run-with role with Trent Cotchin, but the Tigers’ captain worked hard all day and finished with 23 disposals, seven clearances, five tackles and a vital goal in the last term from a brilliant individual effort.
Sam Lloyd kicked three goals for the second time in his four-game career, providing the Tigers with some class around goals. He was also excellent defensively, laying four tackles.
Daniel Jackson continued his brilliant season since his return to the side, collecting 34 disposals (18 contested), five clearances and five tackles. He relished the conditions, winning the first possession for the Tigers on countless occasions.
Richmond has the bye next week, before facing Melbourne at the MCG in Round 9.
GEELONG 3.3 7.8 8.10 11.15 (81)
RICHMOND 0.1 4.3 8.3 12.4 (76)
GOALS
Geelong: Duncan 2, Murdoch 2, Hunt 2, Bartel, Varcoe, McIntosh, Johnson, Selwood
Richmond: Lloyd 3, Edwards 2, Vickery 2, Riewoldt 2, Deledio, Martin, Cotchin
BEST
Geelong: Taylor, Duncan, Enright, Bartel, Guthrie, Selwood, Murdoch
Richmond: Rance, Hampson, Conca, Vlastuin, Astbury, Deledio, Jackson
INJURIES
Geelong: Nil
Richmond: Chris Newman (calf)
SUBSTITUTES
Geelong: Mark Blicavs replaced Dawson Simpson in the third quarter
Richmond: Shane Edwards replaced Nathan Gordon at half-time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Heath Ryan, Shane McInerney, Scott Jeffery
Official crowd: 34,377 at the MCG
