The Richmond Tigers are into the 2019 AFL grand final, after defeating the Geelong Cats by 19 points at the MCG on Friday evening.
With 94,423 fans filling the MCG stands, the teams arrived to huge roars, as the coloured alternate bays cheered at every big moment.
The opening term saw Gary Ablett in the action early, before Richmond kicked three goals in response – two to Tom Lynch – and then the Cats finished strong to take the lead.
That margin was extended by Geelong in the second term; they were able to score goals from forward-50 ground balls and held the footy in their forward-half brilliantly.
It was a lucky 50-metre penalty to Patrick Dangerfield that pushed the margin out to 21 points, on the half-time siren.
Damien Hardwick gathered his troops at the main break and challenged them for the second half – it had to be one almighty turnaround, and the Tigers pulled it off.
The first goal went the way of the Tigers and from there it was an onslaught of sorts.
Lynch, Dustin Martin, Jason Castagna and Dion Prestia were among the goal scorers, but it was the trade-mark Richmond pressure and scrap that got them the lead.
The game was still in the balance half-way through the fourth term, but goals to Lynch and Prestia secured the grand final spot for the Tigers.
Richmond won the second half by 40 points and headed down to the rooms elated and to enormous roars, rather than last year’s disappointment.
Bachar Houli picked up 32 disposals, while Prestia had 28 disposals and two goals in a huge performance.
It was Tom Lynch’s first final at the MCG and didn’t he perform well – five goals and 19 disposals, the tall forward was in his element on the big stage.
This Richmond win was a collective performance, made up of many great moments, though.
From Jack Graham’s one-armed attempts to tackle, to Jack Riewoldt’s basketball tap down to Martin in the square, it was the small things that got Richmond up and about.
Tim Kelly was prolific in what will likely be his last game in the hoops, he finished with 31 disposals, three goals and four clearance.
Gryan Miers was composed early on, while Patrick Dangerfield and Joel Selwood ran the show in the first half.
However, many Cats went missing in the second half; they failed to keep their composure in skill execution and could not hit the scoreboard as they had in the first.
Jack Graham dislocated his right shoulder in the opening term, executing a tackle.
It was put back in place, strapped up and he played out the rest of the game, not without plenty of pain and discomfort, though.
Nathan Broad left the ground with concussion late in the third term and did not return to the field.
Dustin Martin appeared to be carrying a corky, which disrupted his first half.
However, as he does, the Tiger pushed through in the third term and was an important player, finishing with 22 disposals and two goals and playing largely in the forward line.
That’s season over for the Geelong Cats, who fall short of September glory for another year.
Tom Hawkins suspension and Chris Scott’s horror finals record will both be talked about in the fall out from tonight’s game.
Who will the Tigers play next weekend?
Their opponent for the big dance will be decided tomorrow afternoon at the MCG, where the Collingwood Magpies and GWS Giants will battle it out for the remaining spot at 4:35pm AEST.
Richmond Tigers 12.13.85
Geelong Cats 9.12.66
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Not sure Geelong gagged. They just couldn't sustain the unbelievable 1st half of footy they played. Near on impossible to play that slow game style. Would absolutely Gas every team in the competition. Too much running to space required by all 18 players in every minute of every quarter. No surprise they ran out of juice.
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Pretty good for a lumbering / immobile overpaid Big man....
anon
Roar Pro
Didn't even make it champ!
anon
Roar Pro
I never said the Demons would be top spot. I instead correctly predicted that Melbourne are so unreliable that finishing 1st or 12th would be equally surprising outcomes. I've been talking up the Tigers since about May/June saying that all they needed to do was finish 4th and get a home final against Geelong because they'd pants them in a final which they did. Then the rest of their finals would be on their MCG fortress. We're currently in a very weak era where a 13 win team like the Giants can finish 6th. Go back to 2016 and Western finished 7th with 15 wins. Only one side with percentage over 120. Most seasons a side of the Pies quality would struggle to make the 8. Bradburied their way into the 4, couldn't ask for a better QF and PF matchup against serial choker Chris Scott and Giants side that can't play on the 'G. And like I said all year, Brisbane were a midtable team that overachieved by having close results at home against mediocre teams fall their way. Going out in straight sets proved that.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
geelong will take tumble in 2020,say mid table.
fabian gulino
Roar Rookie
poor geelong decided last night we will bring the handbags agin.as for chris scott their coach he has a lot to answer over the pre season.big tommy lynch will feast on the collywobbles.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
I told you during the week Danger was playing hurt.
6x6 perkele
Roar Rookie
Tom lynch in a five goal match winning preliminary performance, great way to answer the critics, powerful tall fwds is still the key to winning finals.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Well, I tipped the the Cats (obviously) at the start of the year, but if I take that bias out I tipped the Pies. I'll stick with them. They have a good blend of possession, defence and attack. The Cats showed you guys what to do. Possession will kill the Tiges - they just couldn't sustain it for 4 quarters. I think the Pies can.
Goalsonly
Roar Rookie
Thanks for good year Cats. Good win over WC. And nice to sit atop the ladder so long. People do remember minor premiers for a while at least. Anything over seven years is second hand anyway as every cell in your body reproduces every seven years. Prelim first half and still in it with 5 min to go. Not bad. Most daring effort was WC. Slow down the line is my only question? Avoiding danger sounds like insurance and guarantees. False security. The only security you truly have is your ability to create. Everything else can be taken away. Now go have some fun.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Thanks Doc, who do you want to win out of the three sides left?
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
Good luck to your boys today.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Is he injured?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
If he is a Demons fan, then that is punishment enough Doc!
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Would rather make it and lose it Anon, unlike your side, whoever that is, that hasn’t.
Doc Disnick
Roar Guru
He’s a Demons fan. He pumped their tires up and predicted them for top spot. Now he’s back on the Tigers after calling them one-hit wonders. The Pies were just making the eight also according to this genius along with GWS that are a bunch of flakes. Let’s not forget about the ‘ordinary’ Brisbane that played some decent footy despite having next to zero experience in finals and finished 2nd after the H&A. Regular Nostradamus our little anon.
PriddisJunior
Roar Rookie
Give him reiwouldt's, no point him going on
Marine Boy
Guest
How many goals did Gold Coast kick for Tigers tonight?
Nico
Roar Rookie
Once Ratugolea builds some confidence and practices marking and goalkicking, watch out. A normally great Miers made a few avoidable errors tonight. Narkle seemed confused most of the game. Ablett hasn’t played like Ablett since suspension. Danger ... vanished in 2nd half. But hard not to be moved by his tears at the end. Should have at least 2-3 good years left. Sure he’ll get another shot. As for Richmond, another outstanding game from Baker. (Needs a tag). Great game before Geelong stopped. Hope Pies get through, so we can have a GF battle. (Hopefully).
anon
Roar Pro
You should get to work on your alibis for losing next week. Not a moment to lose champ.