Surreal was the overriding emotion of Richmond’s star spearhead, Jack Riewoldt, in the rooms immediately after the Tigers’ stirring final round success against Sydney at ANZ Stadium last Saturday, which secured them a remarkable finals berth.

“We had to pinch ourselves a little bit . . . just understanding that we’ve done something that I don’t think any side’s ever done before – come from 3-10 and finish eighth,” Riewoldt told ‘Roar Vision’.

“I reckon it was probably one of the best moments of my life, actually.

“You can’t put it into words.  I got a few text messages from family and friends, and just hearing how much it means to the supporters is the big thing.

“The supporters who travelled up here today, they were fantastic.  We had nearly half the ground a sea of Yellow and Black.

“Hopefully, they’ll travel again next week when we go over to play Port (Adelaide) at Adelaide Oval . . . it’s so exciting.”

Riewoldt was full of praise for the spirit displayed by the Richmond playing group throughout the second half of the 2014 season.

“We had our backs against the wall, it’s pretty well publicised,” he said.

“We were copping a fair bit from outside our four walls, but we just stuck fat to what works for us, and individual guys have stood up over the last nine games and the journey – none more so than Alex Rance today in the last quarter.

“It was probably the best quarter of footy I reckon I’ve ever seen someone play . . .

“I just hope everyone out there is proud of what we’ve done because I’m certainly proud of our boys and the way we’ve handled ourselves.

“It just proves that you’re never out of it, you’re always in with a shot.”