The Richmond Tigers have defeated the Sydney Swans 9.11.65 to 10.8.68 in the final competition round on Saturday night at ANZ Stadium, securing a finals position.
In a blistering opening quarter, Richmond kicked themselves to a 33-point lead in the first 15 minutes of the game. Jack Riewoldt was busy up front and nailed three goals, causing the Swans defence some headaches.
Veteran midfielder Jarrad McVeigh goaled well to quell the attack and lift his team. The Swans kicked the next three goals to pull the lead back to 20 points.
Richmond dominated contested possessions in the first half. Tigers Captain Trent Cotchin led the way with 20 disposals, as Richmond made the most of their possession in the midfield. Sydney tackled well (44-27) and kicked the last three goals of the half, chipping away the Tigers’ lead to 13.
The Swans looked more focused with the ball in hand early in the third. Key forward Kurt Tippett was forced to spend time in the ruck to provide a contest for the ball at the breakdown, which hampered his impact up front.
Sydney gave away a number of silly penalties, including a 50-metre free to Brett Deledio, who made no mistake from 20 out.
Adam Goodes kicked Sydney into the lead late in the term, but Deledio was fed again by the ever-present Jack Riewoldt on the back of another cheap free kick. It put the Tigers back into the lead ahead of what was to be a crucial fourth quarter for Richmond with their season on the line.
Both teams were playing to win, even though a loss would still see Sydney finish on top of the ladder at the end of the round. It was Richmond with more to play for and, through the pain of fatigue, the Tigers remained resolute. In a close final quarter, the Swans came within 2 points through a clever piece of individual play from Sam Reid who managed to lose his marker close to goal and slot it home.
Key forward Dustin Martin kicked the Tigers out to 8 points after beating his marker 70 metres out and running into the square to kick a composed major. Sydney had plenty of chances to scrap a late winner, but could only manage several behinds.
“10 weeks ago they would have got us,” commented Trent Cotchin. When asked how it feels to be heading into their second appearance in the AFL Finals since 2001, Cotchin replied, “We are looking forward to the challenge.”
