Strong second-half surges have symbolised Richmond’s recent Grand Final triumphs.
The Tigers’ capacity to overpower their opponents after half-time has been a feature of their wins in the 2017, 2019 and 2020 premiership-deciders.
Throughout the second half of those three Grand Finals, against Adelaide, Greater Western Sydney and Geelong respectively, Richmond scored a combined total of 29.22 (196), while conceding just 8.9 (57) – a whopping 139-point differential.
Last Saturday night at the Gabba, the Tigers fought back from the biggest half-time deficit in an AFL Grand Final since 1998 ((Adelaide v North Melbourne) to defeat the Cats and capture the flag. They trailed by 15 points at the long break before storming home in the second half.
The only other time Richmond had come from behind at half-time in a Grand Final to win was back in 1921 against Carlton, when it overcame a 13-point to score a four-point victory.
Here is a rundown of the Tigers’ commanding second halves in the 2017, 2019 and 2020 Grand Finals . . .
2017 v Adelaide, MCG: 10.8 (68) to 4.5 (29). Won by 48 points.
2019 v Greater Western Sydney, MCG: 10.7 (67) to 2.1 (13). Won by 89 points.
2020 v Geelong, Gabba: 9.7 (61) to 2.3 (15). Won by 31 points.
