RICHMOND has launched a stirring late blitz to record its third win in succession, defeating Fremantle by 49 points in a pulsating encounter at the MCG on Saturday evening.
Both teams had legitimate claims on the premiership points in a see-sawing first half, but a gutsy third quarter rally by the Tigers that saw them kick the last three goals of the term proved pivotal in the 23.10 (148) to 14.15 (99) win.
Trent Cotchin was sensational, bid on his match worn guernsey now!
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick declared this a yardstick match earlier in the week as he attempted to accurately assess his side's progress this season. He will know at least this much after that performance: his team has heart.
The young Tigers traded blows with their highly-credentialed opponents during the third quarter and where their belief may have wavered in the face of such constant pressure in the past, they took their game to another level this time around.
The loss continues a disappointing run of outs at the MCG for Mark Harvey's men who haven't won at the venue in their last eight visits.
Freo had the best of the early play, but let itself down with some poor kicking around the ground and in front of goal where it registered a wasteful 2.8.
With full-forward Jack Riewoldt unable to register a kick and young playmaker Dustin Martin well held by Matthew de Boer, Richmond did well to draw level at the first break with Robin Nahas a key contributor.
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The Tigers gained the ascendancy in general play for long periods of the second term as Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards warmed to the task but, as Richmond did in the first, Fremantle was able to muster an answering goal against the run of play to stay within striking distance.
Freo held a three-point lead 10 minutes into the third quarter, but it would be the last time they would have their noses in front. The irresistible Tigers built on the confidence gained from the three-goal burst to finish the term, two from the boot of Tyrone Vickery.
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Cotchin booted the first two goals of the final term and the floodgates opened for Richmond. A contest that looked destined to be decided on the last kick of the evening for almost three quarters became a rout as Fremantle proved powerless to halt the Tigers' celebrations.
Richmond 3.2 9.7 17.7 23.10 (148)
Fremantle 2.8 9.9 13.11 14.15 (99)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Cotchin 4, Nahas 4, Vickery 3, King 2, Houli 2, Deledio, Graham, Miller, Martin
Fremantle: Bradley 4, Ballantyne 2, Mayne 2, Pavlich, Hill, Lower, Ibbotson, McPhee, Pitt
BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Deledio, Nahas, Edwards, Houli, Riewoldt, Batchelor
Fremantle: Sandilands, Pavlich, Mundy, Fyfe, Bradley, Pearce
Injuries
Fremantle: Ballantyne (knee)
Substitutes
Richmond: Matthew White replaced by Ben Nason at three-quarter time
Fremantle: Hayden Ballantyne (hamstring) replaced by Roberton at three-quarter time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stewart, Chamberlain, Kamolins
Crowd: 34,090
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
