Richmond’s VFL side delivered its best performance of the season to thrash Geelong by 51 points in the Club’s first home game at the ME Bank Centre on Sunday afternoon.
Despite the difficult, wet conditions, star midfielder Anthony Miles led a third-quarter demolition to see the Tigers boot 12 goals to one and blow the game open, to set up a match-winning lead.
Griffiths was instrumental up forward, booting two goals to begin the Tigers run and finish with four for the quarter. He led up the ground to provide an option, marked strongly and converted well.
See the best photos from the game in the photo gallery.
Miles built on his strong form and proved why he has been the Tigers most highly rated player at VFL level this season. Yet again he was first to the ball, won it in packs and showcased sublime foot skills in what was a standout performance. He finished with 37 possessions (23 contested), 12 clearances and was clearly best afield.
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Ricky Petterd (30 touches) got the Tigers on the board in a tight first term with Ben Lennon also having an impact early. Along with 19 disposals, Lennon provided run and carry and also contributed through one-percenters – he spoiled and smothered well to shut down Geelong’s counter attacks.
The Cats dominated possession in the second term, but a goal from defender Ben Waite kept the Tigers within striking distance.
After half time, it was all Richmond. The Tigers kicked five quick goals to steal the lead and take control of the match.
Nathan Foley had 30 touches and six inside 50s, and constantly found the outside ball, using his pace to surge the team forward.
Liam McBean again played a very term-oriented game and kicked two goals of his own, while skipper Ross Young, Matt Arnot and Nathan Batsanis provided hard bodies at contests.
The Tigers were damaging with quick ball movement and willingness to play on, and in their best quarter of football for 2014, impressed with their effective end-to-end football and reliable conversion.
Griffiths turned provider in the last quarter with a terrific gather to set up a Brett O’Hanlon goal and Richmond remained in complete control to post an important win.
RICHMOND 3.1 4.2 16.6 18.7 (115)
GEELONG 2.1 5.8 6.9 8.16 (64)
Goals: Griffiths 4, McBean 2, Lennon 2, Stephenson 2, Petterd, Williams, Elton, Arnot, O'Hanlon, Young, Waite, L.Conca
Best: Miles, Griffiths, Foley, Lennon, Petterd, Stephenson
