Richmond have cruised to a 35-point victory over North Melbourne on the back of a dominant third quarter.
After an untidy but entertaining first half, the Kangaroos held a slender two-point lead, but soon saw it evaporate as the Tigers slammed home six goals to one to take control of the game.
The match was played at a rapid pace early, with ball pinging from one end to the other. After a sluggish start saw the Tigers surrender the first two goals, Dustin Martin was the catalyst for his side, as Richmond responded with the next three.
Dubbed the ‘Dusty Derby’ – due to the alleged multi-million-dollar contract on offer from the Kangaroos – Martin looked a class above tonight, giving North Melbourne and their fans a first-hand display of his footballing prowess.
With 38 disposals, 9 clearances and 2 goals, Martin was unstoppable around the ground, putting in a performance which is sure to shorten his Brownlow odds.
Despite Martin’s brilliance, wayward kicking in front of goal and poor disposal efficiency hurt the Tigers, as North capitalised on their chances booting 5.2 in the second quarter, earing a 2-point lead in the process.
However, the Kangaroos capitulated in the 3rd term.
In a display of ill-disciplined football which is sure to have incensed coach Brad Scott, North Melbourne gifted the Tigers three 50 metre penalties within the opening 5 minutes of the quarter.
It didn’t get any prettier for the Kangaroos, as countless turnovers fuelled Richmond’s attack. Had the Tigers not been wasteful in front of goal, their 28-point lead at three-quarter time would have been much greater.
North Melbourne lifted late in the match behind the workman like play of Sam Gibson (25 disposals, 1 goal) and Robbie Tarrant (24 disposals, 8 marks) but it was far too late, with Tigers climbing into the top four with the victory.
With both teams now heading into their bye, the Tigers look set to make a return to the finals, while the Kangaroos season has been put on life support.
Pope Paul VII
Guest
Goldy, Waite and Atley back to the seconds to have a good think about stuff
Philby
Guest
Three 'what-ifs'?? I guess us Tigers fans might be tempted to state a few 'what-ifs' about our 3 narrow losses too - but we won't, because footy just doesn't work that way.
Swannies
Guest
Just rapt for Richmond and Hardwick. They had a horror year in 2016 and good to see they are having some success at last.
Ditto
Guest
Norths younger players are showing good signs. They currently rely too heavily on Higgins to provide prolonged class. Ziebell still can't think his way through a difficult situation and Cunnington is probably not worth perservering with. Ben Brown also doesn't seem to know what to do when Waite is in the side. As for Richmond have they any program in place in regard to skills coaching or do they take what the players have got at draft age and just wait for them to get bigger?
Pope Paul VII
Guest
lol your relief is palpable Swannies. How are noble Sydney and Hawthorn going again?
Paul D
Roar Guru
I reckon this season is the best footy the Tigers have played in years. Amazing what a bit of small forward energy and pep does for everyone else's work ethic.
Singo
Guest
Despite the calls the Tiger's are slowly waking up to their Coaches style or are they there is still lapses in concentration but the tiger cubs are covering for the clangers .Every game the media jump on with negative comments. Having supported them for 50 odd years you can see the positive things happening for this group of people go the tiges
Don Freo
Guest
That team is way different to last year's team.
Liam
Guest
What you call ill discipline, I call three exceedingly soft fifties, which changed a match in which both sides were in it to the match being over, with Richmond downhill skiing for all they're worth, whilst North were simply not good enough to pull back momentum. It might not have changed the result of the match, but it sure as hell made it a lot easier for them. If those dubious fifties into goals are reversed, would this article read the same way?
Swannies
Guest
Great to see the Tigers finally get one up on North...they fully deserved the win. They have now booked their place in the finals. But for a fluke win over Crows, North look the same overhyped team that lost 10 games last year. They'll do well to finish higher than 14th.