With the final two rounds of the home-and-away season upon us, the Tigers sit in the box seat to nail down their first top-four finish since 2001. But can they defy their old habit of stumbling in important games?
After Saturday’s untimely loss to a weakened Geelong outfit, Richmond have the feel of a learner driver who’s terrified that they are in control of where they want to go.
Compounding the feeling of angst is the looming pack that has formed behind them, looking to sneak into the top four and grasp a double chance.
Sydney is roaring home and – amazingly, after their 0-6 start to the season – sit in fifth spot, only a win behind the Tigers, while carrying a far greater percentage.
Port Adelaide is in a similar position, occupying sixth spot, just one win back. Although the Power are as consistent as Melbourne’s weather, their draw and percentage means they are a genuine prospect to snaffle a double chance.
Yet Richmond’s equation is simple: win the last two games and a spot in the top four is secure.
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On paper, the Tigers appear to have a relatively easy run home, however it may not be as simple as it seems.
The first Test is a trip over to Perth to face a Fremantle outfit that is out of form and under scrutiny over inconsistent performances.
In an unusual twist, the Tigers’ past two games against the Dockers in Melbourne have resulted in losses to Ross Lyon’s men. However, Richmond can take solace in the fact that they have won their past two games against Fremantle at Domain Stadium.
Their final match comes against St Kilda, a team they have not beaten since 2015.
There is also the elephant in the room of that 67-point annihilation in Round 16, which must surely still be in the back of the players’ and coach’s minds. The potential saving grace though is that this time around, the match is at the MCG.
So what does Richmond need for everything to go right?
First and foremost, they need their big guns firing.
Against Geelong, Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin were well below their best. In the last two weeks, that simply can’t happen.
The Tigers’ small forwards and midfielders must ensure they make the most of their scoring opportunities.
In four out of Richmond’s seven losses this season, their efficiency inside 50 has been less that 50 per cent, including three matches which resulted in less that 40 per cent of inside 50s being turned into scoring opportunities.
The match against Geelong was a perfect example of Richmond being unable to make the most of their chances, recording a paltry 35 per cent conversion rate inside 50.
Without another genuine tall forward to help Riewoldt, the winning scores must come from the mosquito fleet in Kane Lambert, Shane Edwards, Daniel Butler and Daniel Rioli if they are to sew up fourth spot.
It isn’t a fluke Damien Hardwick’s men are sitting in the top four.
The Tigers’ forward pressure, direct ball movement, and resolute defence has seen them emerge as a genuine premiership threat.
They just need to piece it all together and ensure that they don’t do a typical Richmond thing and let a promising season go to waste.
Kane
Guest
In which year?
Cat
Roar Guru
He got away with it. I would not have complained had he been pinged for deliberate.
Cat
Roar Guru
Yeah, Geelong can't possibly win without half of Dangerwood playing ...
Cat
Roar Guru
There was an incident in the Ablett terrace. It did happen. It was unfortunately started by someone in Geelong colours directed at a member of the O.R.C.S. It was brought to the attention of GFC and KP security. Video of the incident has been reviewed and all footage is waiting to be handed to police if the person wishes to file a complaint. It has been addressed with the head of security at Kardinia Park. Unfortunately, the Ablett Terrace does not make it easy for security to walk through and when they do they get harassed for being in the way and blocking views. Plain clothes security will now be hidden among the crowd so hopefully what happened does not happen again.
Danny
Guest
Absolutely agree Sammy we want to play Tigers rather than Geelong or GWS in that first final. Having said that we did beat both in the most recent contests and you to beat good teams to win the flag. I expect Richmond to win their last 2 games...too much riding on it for them to lose to a couple of teams who wont be playing finals. So the Geelong v GWS game is probably going to absolutely critical to the make up of the final 4. I think the ground does make a decent difference and I would expect a Geelong v Tigers at the G if it happens to be a very close contest, especially if still no Selwood.
David C
Guest
If Hardwick stumbles again I think the job is as good as Caracella's. That's why he came on board.
David C
Guest
Two man team .. ha ha ha. That's gold coming from a Geelong supporter.
peter chrisp
Guest
we were umpired out of the contest gee it makes me laugh in the end i have to agree with Cat you guys weren't good enough it was a great win by The Cats & one of the easiest selections to make in my tipping
Milo
Roar Rookie
Both with Geelong backgrounds at least post playing career. Definitely think both have made a major difference and love to be a fly on the wall at coaching meetings and matchcom.
Birdman
Guest
Balmy's return hasn't hurt either
Paul D
Roar Guru
My money is on Caracella. 6 years at Geelong is a pretty good apprenticeship, and they were gutted when he left.
Brayden Rise
Guest
I tend to agree with Cat...can't see Richmond getting past the Cats, Swans, Crows or GWS in the finals.
truetigerfan
Guest
Clever tactic? Should have been pinged and cost them a goal. Did it cost us the game? No. But in a tight contest it didn't help! Though decisions/non-decisions like that have cost us dearly this year. And here we are sitting 4th. Go Tigers!
Shane
Guest
I thought it was a clever tactic that worked. You obviously think it cost you the game, lol.
Shane
Guest
Maybe you simply were just not good enough. Your best defender couldn't beat our best defender playing out of position. Your best mid couldn't impact the game like our best, 4th best and 5th best mids did. Your forward line was dysfunctional, your disposal efficiency was horrendous, and your pressure was non-existent. None of those issues will be fixed by the MCG, nor caused by Simmonds.
Shane
Guest
Trout has been throwing around accusations with no evidence. I have heard it from a Richmond supporter that that little drama was started by one of Trout's mates spitting on a Geelong supporter, so yeah - maybe don't be casting stones in your tiny glasshouse, especially when it is not relevant to the game, or the article. Now, to address your free kick differential. Tell your players to not be so rubbish, and to adhere to the rules, and that will fix that. One of the glaring free kick tallies on Saturday was Richmond's holding the ball - your boys are not big enough and tough enough to fend through tackles - even Dusty got pinged for holding or incorrect disposal. Also, please try to stop being such a sore loser. You Richmond fans have sounded as entitled as Eddie - like him, you need to earn your wins, not expect the umpire and AFL house deliver them for you. This is why Tiges are such a basket case club - entitled fans, soft work ethic, and excuse riddled coaches.
Brayden Rise
Guest
As an impartial fan watching the game I genuinely thought Richmond would not only win against a depleted Cats outfit, but would win easily and enhance their flag expectations. It was a bad loss for the Tigers just when GWS were showing their hand as a genuine contender. The Cats are the dangerous sleeper for me if they can get the other side of the Crows who will be difficult to beat in their home finals.
Milo
Roar Rookie
Fair call Archie. Poor old Clive - talk about unwarranted persecution!
Paul D
Roar Rookie
I usually patronise Courchevel but given the restrictions on Clive's passport at the moment he's forced to slum it domestic
Birdman
Guest
would love to see the Tiges beat their finals blues but until we actually see it, it's hard have complete faith in them