Richmond great Matthew Richardson highlights six key points from the Tigers’ Round 22 victory over St Kilda at the MCG last Sunday.

1. Jack Riewoldt really stood up when needed.

In the absence of Dustin Martin, and with captain Trent Cotchin fairly well held, it was Riewoldt, who provided the spark Richmond required to answer the Saints’ challenge.  After the Tigers kicked the first six goals of the game, St Kilda tenaciously fought back to within eight points in the second quarter, before Riewoldt wrested the initiative back, with a couple of crucial set-shot goals from marks on the lead.  Another goal, early in the third term by Riewoldt, effectively snuffed out the Saints’ chances.  Not only did Riewoldt finish with six goals, he also set up several others for teammates with intelligent play.  Interestingly, in Richmond’s seven straight wins leading up to last Sunday’s game, Riewoldt had kicked only 12 goals, but he’d still played an important role up forward through his creativity and unselfishness.  It was good, though, to see him get reward for his efforts on the scoreboard against the Saints.  A very big achievement by him, too, to have kicked 50 goals-plus five seasons in-a-row.

2. Dylan Grimes played his game of the season.

Grimes has been steadily building up to some good form, and he really put it together on Sunday.  He had a season-high 17 disposals, took seven marks, but, most importantly, displayed really impressive run out of the backline.  One passage of play, which took place during the first quarter, stood out, with Grimes charging forward, knocking the ball on, gaining possession, firing off a handball to a teammate, continuing to run hard inside the Tigers’ forward-50, to mark a short pass, then handballing to Jack Riewoldt, who, in turn, delivered the ball to Ivan Maric on the goal-line for an inspirational team goal.  Grimes played his 17^th game for the season last Sunday, which is far and away the most he’s managed during what’s been an injury-ravaged career for him.  His previous best return in a season was nine, so he’s clearly now reaping the benefits of some continuity with his football.

3. Troy Chaplin is right back to his 2013 best form.

After a slow start to the season, Chaplin deserves credit for working hard to regain the form that saw him finish third in the 2013 Jack Dyer Medal, in what was his first year at the Club.  Chaplin was superb in Richmond’s defence on Sunday, finishing with an equal game-high 29 disposals, including four rebound-50s, and taking a game-high 15 marks.  It was the most disposals Chaplin has had in a match since joining the Tigers, and it highlighted the fact that his confidence levels are high again.  He’s willing to back his judgment and run off his opponent to be creative for the team, which is a really positive sign.

4. Bachar Houli also is in top-class touch.

Houli continues to generate plenty of drive for the team with his rebound out of defence.  Like Chaplin, he also had 29 disposals against the Saints, including an equal team-high five rebound-50s and four inside-50s, along with six marks.  His capacity to read the play well, run and carry, and use the ball so effectively by foot, makes him a pivotal member of the Richmond line-up.  Houli is averaging 21.8 disposals per game this season and is ranked 14^th in the competition for uncontested possessions, which underlines his ability to impact contests for the Tigers by winning the ball on the outside.  But I also believe he has improved his defensive work throughout this season, as well, and become a more complete player.

5. It was like the Newman of old out there.

Chris Newman turned the clock back, with a sparkling display on Sunday.  The Tiger veteran had 12 disposals in a superb first quarter and played a significant role in the team bursting out of the blocks, with the opening six goals of the match, through his quality rebound out of the backline.  He ended up with 21 disposals, including three inside-50s and two rebound-50s, until being ‘subbed’ off late in the third quarter, so he could rest his weary body in readiness for his 250^th game milestone in Saturday’s final home-and-away round clash with Sydney.  I was rapt to hear that the ‘old bloke’ has signed on with the Club for another season, as I feel he still has a fair bit to offer the team.  How good would it be if he could celebrate his 250^th with a win to send the Tigers into the finals!

6. Richmond has done a mighty job to force its way into the top eight.

Regardless of what happens in the final round, I reckon the Tigers deserve considerable credit for their great fightback this season.  At 3-10, sitting equal bottom on the ladder, and five games out of the eight, it would have been fairly easy to put the cue in the rack and focus on 2015.  But coach Damien Hardwick and his players steadfastly refused to concede the 2014 season was shot.  They dug deep and slowly, but surely, clawed their way back.  Now, after defeating St Kilda last Sunday, to register an eighth consecutive win, Richmond has climbed into the eight for the first time this season, with just home-and-away game to go.  The equation is simple enough, even if the task isn’t – beat the Swans at ANZ Stadium in Sydney, and the Tigers will play finals.  I’m sure they’ll give it one hell of a crack, and a finals berth would be a fitting reward for turning their season around in such stunning style.  Whatever the result, however, the Tiger Army should be proud of the team’s spirited efforts during the second half of this season.  And, the lessons the players have learned, as they’ve dragged themselves back into contention, will hold them in really good stead for next season and beyond.