What a game of footy!
Who said football needs fixing? We have been lucky enough to witness a number of sensational games lately, and we were treated to another absolute beauty on Friday night at the MCG.
In a game that felt like a final, Geelong came hard at the Tigers in the last term but fell agonisingly short.
It’s not often both sides can walk away from a game taking huge positives out of it, but that is the case in this one.
The Tigers maintain top spot on the ladder and are almost certain to finish in the top two and avoid having to travel during the finals as they endeavour to claim back-to-back premierships. As brilliant as Richmond have been this season, their away record is not flattering.
On the flip side the Tigers have now won 19 straight games at the MCG and there is a pretty important game played there at the end of the season that the Tigers would love to be a part of.
Richmond have been the kings of the fourth quarter this season, and with a 21-point lead at the final change against Geelong, most would have expected the Tigers to put the foot down in the final quarter and cruise to victory. However, Geelong dominated the fourth quarter, kicking five goals to two behinds and very nearly pulling off a huge win.
(Daniel Carson/AFL Media/Getty Images)
While Richmond would be disappointed with the final-quarter discrepancy, being challenged and grinding their way to victory could be equally beneficial. Sometimes sides can become complacent or read their own headlines and expect history to repeat itself. The fact the Tigers came so close to being beaten should serve as a wake-up call and will serve them well heading into September.
The Cats would be disappointed by the result. Given how tight the ladder is this season, every game is like an elimination final for Chris Scott’s men at the moment. However, while they would be disappointed they didn’t get the four points, Geelong will have taken plenty out of tonight’s game. Not only did they challenge and very nearly conquer the reigning premiers, they also proved to themselves that they have what it takes to match it with the best.
There are more positives for Geelong too – it’s hard to believe that Tim Kelly is in his first season with the Cats after the 24-year-old South Fremantle product was enormous against the Tigers.
Kelly finished the game with 36 disposals, four clearances, seven score involvements and 1.1. He also covered 15.3 kilometres, more than any other player on the ground.
(Michael Dodge/Getty Images)
Due to his age, Kelly is ineligible for the Rising Star award, but were he not, he would take some serious beating.
Elsewhere on the ground, while Patrick Dangerfield, Joel Selwood and Kelly all racked up high numbers for Geelong, the Tigers had just one player register more than 30 disposals, with Kane Lambert’s 31 touches.
Though Richmond don’t always like to possess the ball, instead knocking it onto an opponent in open space or applying extreme pressure to an opposition player with the ball, their even spread of disposal winners also points to how well drilled they are and that they are all buying into the same philosophy.
What effect does the result have? Do Richmond gain a psychological edge over Geelong or do the Cats take heart from matching it with the best and head into their next encounter breathing fire? That remains to be seen, but if these sides do meet in the finals, we are in for a treat.
Follow Johnathan Thompson on Twitter: @johnathant88
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Good memory Laura, I'd completely forgotten about Woewodin, let alone him going to Collingwood. I know where to start looking now to kill my curiosity, thanks.
deleted
Roar Rookie
Unless a Collingwood v Brisbane game around '03/'04 (Akermanis, Voss, Buckley, Black and Woewodin) had all 5 playing, or Brisbane v West Coast 2006? Not sure if Judd, Akermanis, Cousins, Black, Voss all played in the one game? Would have to check it out, but quite remarkable really!
deleted
Roar Rookie
Richmond had Geelong on the ropes for most of the game, I think it was lucky to be that close. Geelong did however claw back a pretty solid tigers lead after 3 quarter time, whereas most teams are put away by Richmond after three quarter time. Hope they face each other again in the finals, should be an absolute cracker
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Not sure who you're answering mate, I never said they have already won the flag. I was merely saying their supporters have a right to be proud of what they've achieved in the the last couple of seasons. They have a game plan which can counter different attacks and can put up winning scores. History will tell us if they are in the midst of the 3peat Hawks or Lions, but it doesn't discount their current form, nor their supporters pride in what they're doing. They copped a lot of crap from all and sundry for the 3-4 years before the premiership, while the present coach and players were developing, just as Melbourne did and Carlton are. I've never begrudged success, but today that isn't the norm.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Not my, our, narrative. What have past dominant teams got to do with season 2018? That's just an opposition supporters go to garbage argument to pacify themselves. Maybe they can win the flag, maybe they can't. Either way we're giving ourselves the best possible chance. Despite the 'gallant' performance from Collingwood and a great effort from Geelong we actually won those two games. Reading some of the garbage offered up here you'd think it's the beginning of the end for Richmond. Carna Tigers! Eat 'em Alive!
Cat
Roar Guru
Winning streak at the MCG aside they aren't as far out in front as truly dominate sides have been. And being a dominate H&A side guarantees nothing. Maybe they can win the flag, maybe they won't but the narrative that its theirs already is garbage.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
They're passionate about their team and after 30 years in the wilderness have a right to talk up their achievements of the last coupla seasons. That's what being a fan is about. In this instance they were only taking exception to a silly comment and that's fair. To say a team which still hasn't lost at the G has lost their invincibility seemed like a bait. I couldn't help taking it and I don't barrack for the Tigers or Cats......or Magpies.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
Strange comment, Mate! So does winning a game by under 10 points go in the loss column? Weathering a game plan they haven't had used against them and winning ugly was a hallmark of the good Hawks teams 5 years ago. They then set themselves to cope with whatever came at them. Maybe after the Tigers lose a game at the G, then your comment can be the headline.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Chris, those Tiger fans like Realist already proclaiming them as the new Hawthorn may be headed for a fall. Geelong will beat them next time if they get the chance.
Murphy
Guest
I think you will find that your mate Peter is the one doing the Tiger bashing - please refer to any and every article written after last weeks result for numerous posts from him.
Chris
Guest
A week is a long time in politics! Five weeks is an eternity in football. So much can happen. So many things can change. So, let's just say that Murphy and Tigerfan are like two kids in a toy shop. Once the novelty of being on top disappears they will slip back to where they were. Mundane pedestrian banal mediocrity. Reality check gents. Juist think before you talk!
Chris
Guest
Murphy and Tigerfan, why don't you simply give up on Collingwood bashing. There are four rounds of football till we meet in the Qualifying Final. Meanwhile, just settle down and bask in the glory of your great win. If we don't front up against you then it will be Melbourne. We will talk again on the 8th/9th September.....
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
No chance if they finish ninth.
Blake Standfield
Roar Guru
Collingwood supporters were happy with a five goal loss but Geelong will be disappointment to not have won that and along with GWS and West Coast they’ll have some chance in September.
Murphy
Guest
He has been bitter since the tigers won last week at the G errrrrr sorry scratch that ever since collingwoods honorable loss/moral victory/brave fight.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Comprehension failure and massive overreaction, Petie. Fantastic contest! But you seem to be oblivious to that. Your continual commentary on the Tiges would be humorous if it were funny . . . but it aint. Keep on trying.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Just. No longer invincible even at the G.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
The Tigers won
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
The Tigers acclaimed midfield have been smashed two weeks in a row. Do they keep backing their "system" over that? It will catch up with them in finals if they do and cushy games against Suns and Dogs will merely putty the cracks. A side will not win through to a flag with their mids being belted. Worrying signs for the Tigers who appear to have peaked early.
Insult_2_Injury
Roar Rookie
The game is too fast for umpires. I'm no fan of video replay, but it is absurd that video replay is called for when an umpire is standing a metre away on a point/goal dispute, but a poor decision or 'non' decision at any time in the game can change the game completely and go unchallenged! The powers will say it will ruin the pace of the game, but the pace of the game is reason the umpires can't keep up. Maybe the AFL has to look at a team having 2 Captain's challenges per game like cricket and ensure the howlers get reversed. There's situations - regardless of whether in 1st quarter - where a poor decision is paid and due to a player who remonstrates, a 50m paid which results in a goal in a close game. That leads onto a momentum shift which is enough for the result to be changes 2 1/2 quarters later. Maybe a Captains challenge reverses that and the umpire improves for the rest of the game. I also don't know if it's a directive or not, but what is with umpires giving players 3 seconds to take a kick then calling play on? It's ruining the efficiency of disposals! There was an instance of a player still running backwards when taking a free and the umpire calling play on. The player had a chance to pick out a player just inside the square, but because of the play on, then had the player on the mark rushing at him and he just roosted done the line on the wing which created a scrum 30m further up. Why are they obsessed with just playing on? It's ruining the game to the point that players are now so tired they can't kick through a 7m gap from 10m away!