Ten weeks ago, after Richmond lost to the Sydney Swans by 11 points on the Friday night stage at the MCG, I wrote on article on The Roar asking where it all went wrong for the club this year.
Their tenth loss of season 2014 saw them slump to 16th on the ladder with a 3-10 record, ahead of only the Brisbane Lions and St Kilda. At the time, it appeared as though finals would be a virtual impossibility for the Tigers.
It was suggested that the rest of the season would be used to regain some respect and salvage something from what had been a disappointing season for Damien Hardwick’s men, who last year reached the finals for the first time since 2001, finishing fifth and ultimately losing an elimination final to Carlton.
But flash forward ten weeks and nine consecutive victories later and the Tigers have come from nowhere to clinch the last place in the eight and sentence the West Coast Eagles and Adelaide Crows to finish their seasons by playing dead rubbers.
The Tigers entered the round having climbed into the eight for the first time this year courtesy of a 26-point victory over St Kilda last week, which marked their eighth in succession since that loss to the Swans on June 20.
Thus, entering their final round rematch against the Swans, a finals berth was at their mercy – a win by any margin would see them guaranteed September action for a second consecutive year, while a loss would have left the door open for the Eagles or Crows to inherit their place in the eight.
Their task was made slightly easier when Lance “Buddy” Franklin was rested with a minor knee injury, adding to a Swans casualty list which already included Josh Kennedy, Ben McGlynn, Craig Bird and Mike Pyke.
What resulted was the Tigers’ best start to a match for a while when they kicked the first 33 points of the match. It was to be, defensively, the Swans’ worst first quarter for the season.
That would provide the basis for one of the Tigers’ best wins of the season, eventually hanging on to win by three points after the Swans threatened to take over the match numerous times during the second half.
Despite the loss, the Swans still clinched their first minor premiership since 1996, finishing equal with Hawthorn and the Geelong Cats in a three-way tie for top spot on the ladder but ahead with a superior percentage to the other two teams.
It also renders the remainder of the round meaningless as far as the race for the finals are concerned, however St Kilda will have one final chance to avoid the wooden spoon when it plays the Adelaide Crows at the Oval later this afternoon.
Melbourne still remain at risk of finishing last after they lost their tenth consecutive match, a five-goal loss to the Kangaroos under the roof at Etihad Stadium. However, they did deliver their best attacking performance of the year, falling seven points short of the ton and being level with the Roos at quarter and half-time.
Anyway, the Tigers will carry their nine-match winning streak, and more importantly their momentum gained from it, to the Adelaide Oval next Sunday where they will face Port Adelaide in a sudden-death elimination final.
Only the Sydney Swans (twelve in a row between rounds 5 to 17) have had a longer winning streak this season.
Damien Hardwick’s men will have reason to believe they can continue their winning run – not only did they defeat the Power by 20 points back in Round 17, they also won on their most recent trip to the Oval when it knocked off the Crows by 10 points in Round 21.
If the Tigers can defeat the Power for a second time this year, then another interstate trip will await – either a long trip across the Nullarbor to face Fremantle in Perth, or another trip to ANZ Stadium to face the Swans.
Their impressive form over the second half of the season will make them the team to watch throughout this year’s finals series – and it will be interesting to see how they fare after they let slip a 26-point half-time lead against Carlton to crash out in the first round last year.
Will the Tigers extend their winning streak into next week, or will they crash and burn?
And so, what a finals series it promises to be. A full analysis and preview will come later this week, but here is how the first week of the finals series will unfold (all times local) after the draw was released by the AFL.
Qualifying finals
Sydney Swans versus Fremantle, ANZ Stadium, Saturday 6 September 2:45pm
Hawthorn versus Geelong Cats, MCG, Friday 5 September 7:50pm
Elimination finals
Port Adelaide versus Richmond, Adelaide Oval, Sunday 7 September 2:50pm
North Melbourne versus Essendon, MCG, Saturday 6 September 7:15pm
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Thank you Natalie. You have no idea how much that means.
Jason H
Roar Rookie
Finishing 8th wasn't the success I was referring to Natalie, finishing 12-10 in Aug from a very bleak 3-10 in Jun is the success i'm referring to. In that regard I think the Tigers can be proud of how they wrapped up the season, as a result the season isn't quite done with yet.
Natalie Swansfan
Guest
Yes, well done on beating the bottom 3 sides and the Swans third grade side, and congrats on a successful season finishing 8th.
Jason H
Roar Rookie
Richmond start the season with some of their best out and have shockers, comments abound, "oh they should have more depth, Dimma is a flog, Tigers are garbage" etc etc, So the Swans, the top of the table in form side of the competition has a few outs and we're lucky to get the win, please, go beat that drum somewhere else. You turn up to play end of story, got your best 22 on the park or you decide to rest your stars you're still playing to win. Had Buddy, McGlynn & Pyke all played and we lost I wouldn't be on here crying that we only lost because the Swans played their best players and they really aren't that good, yeah sounds stupid. Swans had plenty of chances to win on Saturday night, they didn't, so be it, don't make excuses. As for a fairy tale that isn't going to end well, it already has ended well, the season is a success, the Tigers turned around an abysmal year, they did it by working hard, they did it by themselves, the players and coaches all should give themselves a pat on the back, they're in the finals and regardless of the result next week they should be proud of their achievements, I know I am. GO TIGERS!
Penster
Guest
I'll take that.
Mark dickson
Guest
Enough of the crap about who they beat. You can only beat the team you are playing. Amazing turnaround this year and whatever happens next week the season is still a success. But everyone will still try and bag them as they are always the target for criticism. Funny how no one is bagging there list now they have won all these games and made the finals. GO TIGERS !!!!
Peter Baudinette
Roar Guru
I'm pretty sure Tippett, Hannebery and McGlynn all missed that game Don. So not quite full strength. Still, you've gotta win with with what you've got. Did it last time, didn't this time.
Natalie Swansfan
Guest
They beat St Kilda twice, GWS and Lions, Port in the middle of their slump, West Coast at their worst with 8 goals for the game, Essendon and Adelaide who were both struggling at the time. And then beat a home and hosed Swans who had rested Franklin and Pyke. Well done for winning 9 straight but I think people are getting a little carried away. It's a fairy tale that ain't gonna end well. Don Freo, whilst your head is filled with Purple Haze, I have have my Rosie Red coloured glasses on. The Swannies will be fine.
Mister Football
Roar Guru
They'd definitely be feeling like they just won their grand final. Having said that, you'd have to say that Port would go into next week's game as marginal favourites only.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Richmonds biggest problem will be how they respond after yesterday's sence of relief at making the finals. I think PA will have a field day against them. I think they will drop in intensity after yesty.
Cat
Roar Guru
Despite being a nice guy, I just don't rate him as a coach, for as much credit as he deserves for turning the season around for the Tigers, you can't overlook that he drove them into that hole to begin with.
Axle an the guru
Guest
Your not a Richmond supporter though Gene. My comment was aimed at them.
Jason Cave
Guest
Richmond's amazing run of form is similar to what Fitzroy did in 1984, when the Lions won only 1 game after Round 9, and five games from outside the final five. The Lions made the finals but were beaten by Collingwood in the Elimination Final the following week. -- Comment from The Roar's iPhone app.
Andrew
Guest
This probably does more harm than good. Likely to get a tougher draw after sneaking into finals as well as a lesser draft pick. Think it would have been wiser to finish 10th or 11th and use a good pick to catapult into finals next year. Thats a main problem with middle tier teams. In saying that, good effort to finish so strong. 1st team to go 3 and 10 and make it.
Don Freo
Guest
Sydney only beat Richmond by 11 points in the Tiges' last loss with a full team? Hmmm! Any Swannies starting to worry? Will your dreams be hazed with purple this week?
Don Freo
Guest
Here's a better story. Sydney are disqualified for salary cap rorts and West Coast still gets in and Don still gets his Derby Grand Final.
Don Freo
Guest
Ever? Why?
hog
Guest
Well done Richmond, they deserved the win yesterday. And as always dreams are free.
Rob
Guest
As much as I hate Richmond I'm in love with the story and would love to see them knock off port next Sunday. I don't think they will but it reminds me of Melbourne in 1987 - done and dusted after round 11 and slipping into 5th at the end of round 22 - their momentum took them to a prelim final they should have won but they didn't have to travel to Sydney, then Adelaide, then back to Sydney or perth for their semi... Might just be a bridge too far for them this year.
Cat
Roar Guru
Good job getting into the finals but I still don't believe Hardwick will ever get them much further than an early finals exit.