A fast-finishing Richmond have pipped Port Adelaide by 13 points in a brutal battle to climb into the AFL’s top four.
The Tigers took Port’s fourth spot on the ladder with a tenacious 11.10 (76) to 8.15 (63) triumph at Adelaide Oval on Saturday night.
Richmond came from 16 points down late in the third quarter to overwhelm the Power, who are yet to beat a top-eight side this season.
In a high-pressure fixture, the Tigers made a decisive move from late in the third term, kicking six consecutive goals to stun Port.
Tiger Dan Butler kicked three goals and debutant Tyson Stengle scored two, while Dustin Martin enhanced his Brownlow medal favouritism with 37 disposals, including eight inside 50s.
Richmond’s Kane Lambert (33 touches), Brandon Ellis (29 possessions) and Shaun Grigg (26 disposals) were also prolific ball-winners.
Port’s Chad Wingard was a standout for the hosts with a game-high 39 disposals and teammates Ollie Wines (28 possessions), Jared Polec (25 touches) and Sam Powell-Pepper (24 disposals, two goals) were busy.
Defender Hamish Hartlett was also among Port’s best until going off with a corked thigh in the third term.
A rugged opening set the tight tone, with neither side able to score a goal until Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt converted in the 17th minute.
Port’s Brad Ebert soon replied and at quarter-time the Power led 1.6 to 1.4.
Richmond briefly took the lead in the second stanza before Port kicked four of the next five goals – the last pair gave the home side a 15-point buffer at halftime.
Port held a 16-point break 22 minutes into the third quarter before Richmond’s match-defining burst.
Debutant Tyson Stengle’s first AFL major was followed by classy goals on the run from teammates Daniel Rioli and Martin and they led by two points at three quarter-time.
The visitors stretched their lead with the opening three goals of the last quarter, including another to Stengle and two from Butler, and they held on for victory.
“It was pretty special,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.
“I hope our fans back home are proud of the players, I thought they showed enormous heart.”
Port coach Ken Hinkley lamented his side’s inability to hit the scoreboard – they had 68 inside 50s compared to Richmond’s 52.
“Our conversion tonight was our biggest issue,” he said.
latowe49
Guest
I don't agree, look at http://nypost.com/2017/02/05/patriots-stage-furious-rally-to-stun-falcons-in-super-bowl-li/ Sincerely, Latarsha
Leanne Irving
Guest
Why is Richmond not playing a mother tall forward to help jack he can't do it all on his own hopefully against Brisbane they will play another tall
David C
Guest
Stengle was pretty good on debut, I think he will get another run while the small forwards get rotated. Maybe Costagna to be managed this week.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Here we go, typical tigers, you have the premiership sown up in July. Frontrunners? Coming from the biggest chokers in the league, ha ha ha ha ha ha.
J.T. Delacroix
Guest
Is this the first time a full back has been tagged? Strange days.
Gecko
Guest
I think you're right, Big Four. That win puts Richmond in the frame. If they can win a couple more close ones (to build resilience) and keep Martin and Rance fit going into the finals, they're half a chance. This year there's no team that's clearly better than the rest.
Swannies
Guest
Hopefully this will go a long way towards silencing some of the sceptics...Richmond are looking the real deal. Dusty is a championship.
big four sticks
Guest
It's Tiger time folks. We showed those Port front runners what a real contender looks like. People will have to consider Richmond as a serious premiership chance. Butler's goal was the highlight of the game.
Roger of Sydney
Guest
Not a fan of Richmond but I cheer for any team that beats Port, hard to judge which club is the most arrogant. Well done Tigers. Having watched all the contenders now I have come to the conclusion that there is not a team that can win the flag.
Brendon the 1st
Guest
Poor kicking is poor football and Port have paid the price a few times this year. Our conversion has been poor all season and the good teams make you pay, Port will have to deal with the negativity until they turn up with their kicking boots on. We have a hard run home, so if we manage to make finals, which isn't a surety then we should be battle hardened by the time September comes around
Leanne
Guest
I am so proud of the Richmond foot ball club great win boys
Philby
Guest
Go Tiges! After watching Ivan Maric give his farewell speech to his teammates this week, I wasn't that surprised. Inspirational stuff. So pleased that the players have the belief.