The Richmond Tigers have killed off the GWS dream and made their way into the grand final where they will face the Adelaide Crows at the MCG.
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Final score
Richmond Tigers 15.13.103
GWS Giant 9.13.67
The Tigers and the Giants meet at the MCG in the second of the Preliminary Finals, where the winner books a date for the big dance against Adelaide and the loser licks their wounds for 2017. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:45pm (AEST).
To say this is a juicy match is an understatement of monumental proportions.
The Tigers will look to defy over thirty years of history and return to the Grand Final, slaying the demons and painful losses that have plagued them for so long.
The Giants look to create some of their own history and pin a Grand Final to their burgeoning resume.
Both teams go into the encounter unchanged from their last performance. GWS were quick and impressive against West Coast and without some of the tall timber that was sidelined, they appeared to rediscover their run and carry and subsequently put the visitors to the sword.
Richmond have had two weeks to prepare for the most important match in the Club’s recent history.
Injury free and firing on all cylinders, they will aim to bring the intense pressure they have employed all season and shut down the dangerous attack of the Giants.
With less than two thousand tickets picked up in the allocation to the Giants members, the predicted ninety-five thousand crowd will create a roar not heard at the ‘G’ for many years.
In a tactical contrast, Richmond will look to lock down the Giants and control their run, while the Sydneysiders will seek to break from congested packs and establish their outside running game.
Some mouth-watering clashes loom. Jonathon Patton and Alex Rance could be a key match-up and the battle between Phil Davis and Jack Riewoldt at the other end will be gripping.
The midfield duel between Trent Cotchin and company and the Giants group led by the in-form Stephen Coniglio and recently resigned Josh Kelly will be explosive.
Prediction
Whichever way this game trends, it will be visible early. If Richmond suffer another case of finals stage fright that has plagued them over the years, the Giants will pounce early. Alternatively, if the Tigers are able to swarm with aggressive and suffocating pressure the GWS speed will be nullified and Richmond will take control.
Richmond will exorcise the demons and play in the Grand Final. Let that soak in for a few moments.
Tigers by 24.
Catch all the action on The Roar live coverage from 4:45pm (AEST).
Matthew H
Guest
The national game died last year, but will stay well buried after this.
Matthew H
Guest
Absolutely disgusting isn't it? For me the AFL lost a huge amount of credibility last year, but I am one of few who share that opinion and we see it replayed this year. The Giants should have blown Richmond away this year in the first half though. Just didn't captialise and the umpires finished them off in the 3rd. There were frees given that even the biased commentary couldn't see. Well done AFL for killing off the Giants. That's the club done now I think.
Slane
Guest
Big Four Sticks posts on tbis site more frequently than you do...
Philby
Guest
Yes, well said, TC. There are some unbelievably miserable sods here.
Dalgety Carrington
Roar Guru
Nah, Cotchin wasn't interested in the ball entering that contest. Didn't reach for it, wasn't looking at it even.
Pete
Guest
Yep saw a guy going after a contested footy who had the awareness to brace himself for contact. Nothing wrong with that.
Kurt
Guest
What, you mean fans of Victorian teams get priority access to tickets? That's great news, let me know how and I'll get on it.
Shane
Guest
No conspiracy but 93 500 one eyed fans! Damien Hardwick when "Asked if the crowd sometimes played a role in influencing the umpires' free kicks, he said: "Absolutely. Our Tiger fans are the same when we get back home. It's the lie of the land.""
Shane
Guest
Absolutely shocking bias which is not reflected in the free kick count. There is no doubt the umpires have been affected by the massive crowd disparity and the Richmond player's and coaching staff anticipated this and played accordingly. Imagine if you were a fan from Sydney new to the game. A very bad look for the AFL and needs to be discussed openly in the media but will not be as the media in Sydney does not care and the media in Melbourne is too parochial. The national game died today, time to bury the ashes.
Shane
Guest
Absolute disgrace. I will not watch the game if Crows are forced to wear an away stripe. Luckily I am on the TV ratings panel!
Shane
Guest
Total joke. GWS was not allowed into the game. Felt so sorry for them. Full credit for their brave efforts. They have won much respect going up against the Tiger Night Walkers. Winter is coming, let us hope the Crows unleash a couple of Dragons next week!
Pete
Guest
Yep awful but they're still better than at least 16 other teams in the comp
Basil
Guest
Who me? What? Huh? You support a Victorian team. So when and if your team makes a GF, it favours you.
Nudge
Guest
Richmond's skills are woeful
Slane
Guest
Your salty tears are delicious.
David C
Guest
Yeh right??? No idea.
TC123
Guest
So there you go. You and Richmond do have something in common, you're both crying
Nudge
Guest
Richmonds only chance is if it's pouring with rain and blowing a gale. Otherwise I can't see Richmond getting within 10 goals
Kurt
Guest
It favours me, a neutral fan on the other side of the world? I guess so, sure.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Every Richmond player crying after the match I can guarantee you will choke next week. Riewoldt will lead this group of players happy with second place. Good luck next week to both teams.