Richmond’s road to premiership glory in 2020 will be re-lived through match reports and video highlights of each Tigers win during the season. Today we look at the Round 18 victory over Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Richmond needed to beat suddenly in-form bottom side Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday evening to secure a top-four berth for the fourth season in a row.
Damien Hardwick's men didn't always have it their own way – and benefited early from accurate goalkicking from not-always-easy shots – but were never threatened on their way to a 44-point victory.
Richmond set up the 12.5 (77) to 4.9 (33) triumph with five consecutive goals overlapping the second and third quarters that finally broke Adelaide and rewarded the Tigers for their territory dominance.
The Crows managed only two goals after quarter-time to Richmond's nine, following a competitive opening.
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— Richmond FC ???? (@Richmond_FC) September 19, 2020
As important as the Tigers clinching a top-four spot was the further re-introduction of key members after long stints out of the side.
Premiership players Shane Edwards (personal) and David Astbury (knee) hadn't been in this side since rounds five and four, respectively, but both made successful returns on Saturday.
Edwards was particularly sharp and one of the best players afield, amassing an equal-game-high eight clearances and 12 contested possessions.
They still have Tom Lynch (hamstring), Shai Bolton (corked calf) and Dion Prestia (ankle) to potentially return for their first final in a fortnight's time, so positions will be tight.
What was impressive again for Richmond was its even spread of contributors, with Dustin Martin offsetting his 12 turnovers with 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions and six score involvements.
Jayden Short was at his penetrating best in defence, Jack Graham's form resurgence continued and Kane Lambert performed better as the night went on.
Bullocking ruckman Reilly O'Brien served Adelaide well and took the honours in his match-up with Toby Nankervis, while the Crouch brothers – particularly Brad (eight clearances) – toiled away in the centre.
ADELAIDE 2.2 2.4 3.5 4.9 (33)
RICHMOND 3.0 5.0 9.5 12.5 (77)
GOALS
Adelaide: Fogarty 2, McAdam, Walker
Richmond: Aarts 2, Caddy 2, Riewoldt 2, Martin, McIntosh, Chol, Rioli, Lambert, Castagna
BEST
Adelaide: O'Brien, B.Crouch, M.Crouch, Lynch, Laird, Smith
Richmond: Edwards, Martin, Short, Graham, Lambert, Vlastuin
INJURIES
Adelaide: Brown (hamstring)
Richmond: Caddy (knee), Aarts (shoulder)
