Richmond are through to face Port Adelaide in next week’s preliminary final after knocking off St Kilda by 31 points in their semi-final at Gold Coast’s Metricon Stadium.
The Tigers were simply dominant from the get go, with Trent Cotchin earning the first clearance of the game and sending a deep ball to the forward pocket that was marked strongly in a one-on-one by Tom Lynch. He converted the set shot, and the Tigers were off.
The Saints were nervous in the midfield, succumbing to pressure with turnovers or poor forward entries, while their defensive structures wilted as well with too many players joining the contest and allowing the Richmond small forward to mop up the crumbs with ease. The second Tigers goal came from that scenario, with Shane Edwards rolling a simple one through.
Shane Savage roosted one from just outside 50 to get the Saints on the board, but Shai Bolton responded with two excellent goals of his own and Kamdyn McIntosh made it five for the term. Dan Butler snuck one back just before the siren, but it was the Tigers by 17 at the first break.
St Kilda came out looking like a different side in the early going of the second quarter, but they couldn’t put it on the scoreboard and the Tigers again made them pay. Edwards kicked his second, which was rubbed out a reply from Jack Steele, before Daniel Rioli, Lynch and Bolton piled it on to make it 31 points at the main break.
The third quarter proved to be a bit more of an arm wrestle. The Saints had a lot of the play, but they missed plenty of set shots to squander the advantage. In the end, they made a dent in the margin through goals to Josh Battle and Dean Kent – but it should’ve been more. Dion Prestia’s goal in between the two Saints majors ensured the reigning premiers would go to the final break with a 23-point lead.
Seb Ross made things interesting with an early goal to start the last quarter, but goals to Jason Castagna and Dustin Martin were enough to put the Saints to bed.
After a week of blistering first-week finals, this semi-final didn’t reach any great heights – although there were a few controversies. Tom Lynch is sure to attract scrutiny from the Match Review Officer after appearing to drop his knee into the shoulder/neck of Dougal Howard after giving away a 50-metre penalty.
There was also a controversial score review decision, after what appeared to be a clear St Kilda goal was ruled a behind due to insufficient evidence to overturn the goal umpire’s original decision.
In the end, St Kilda were left to rue poor accuracy in front of goal, especially in the third quarter.
Richmond will now tackle Port Adelaide in a preliminary final on Friday night at the Adelaide Oval.
Richmond – 5.1 | 9.1 | 10.4 | 12.8 (80)
St Kilda – 2.2 | 3.6 | 5.11 | 6.13 (49)
Goals
Tigers: Bolton 3, Edwards 2, Lynch 2, McIntosh, Rioli, Prestia, Castagna, Martin
Saints: Savage, Butler, Steele, Battle, Kent, Ross
peter crisp
Guest
Oh no i don't believe it gee Tigers arrogant couldn't be? With their coach Damien Hardstick, on AFL web-page "lookout out Port Adelaide i back Lynchpin to use his aggression towards the Port Adelaide back line. Either way looking forward to it.
sven
Roar Rookie
he's a pearler edwards , seriously underrated. thought baker had a really good game, esp early (bloody gem he is)
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Bring it!
Dave
Roar Rookie
Thought Shane Edwards was close to BOG in my opinion.
Dave
Roar Rookie
Well I think they are Brendon! Where have port been in the last few seasons?? Tigers more experienced and will be better than the previous game against Port, without a doubt! Guess we’ll find out next Friday night mate :thumbup:
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Surprise, surprise Dave thinks that the tigers are better than Port. Next you'll be telling me the world is round.
Dave
Roar Rookie
Agreed there Timbo! Tigers will definitely have to lift, which I believe they will :)
Johnno
Roar Rookie
Not a good look.....how do you get out of their game. Fine them...nuh.
Johnno
Roar Rookie
100% correct. Both acts were dog, not very brave acts. And the Umps can stop it quickly.
The Brazilian
Roar Rookie
Since Port finished on top and won the recent encounter at home easily. Yeah, Richmond are the underdogs for sure.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
Nope tigers definately the hunted ,been there done that, the others havent..all the pressure on tigers to add to their dynasty
Dave
Roar Rookie
Well, I was referring to this season mate! Last time I looked Port finished on top of the afl ladder this season, which makes them the hunted in my opinion, which appears to be different from yours.
Maxy
Roar Rookie
since when does a side that has won 2 of the last 3 flags become underdogs against a side that has finished 9th or 10th the last 6 years...thats funny :laughing: :laughing:
Dave
Roar Rookie
I think it’s actually Port that need to play better. Yes, they won thru, but I wouldn’t label it a convincing win against an out of form cats side! You guys have had a week off, which is sometimes not a good thing IMO, match fitness, confidence, etc. Tigers will go in as the under dog, the hunter seeking revenge for the loss earlier in the season! Port has home ground advantage but will count for little as they will be the hunted! Predicting a boil over next week, Tigers by 17 points :)
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
$2300! Good you Billy
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Gotta beat the best to be the best!
DustyisDAtruth
Roar Rookie
Cooler weather toooo......nice no slippery ball or humidity that a plus
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I think that Douge's needs to put some muscle on, Carlisle would have taken Lynch had he of been in. But yeah, wasn't unhappy to see him get muscled around by Lynch, having said that I think there's still a lot of un-tapped potential there. I'm not convinced on Georgiadis yet, there's a touch of John Butcher about him in front of goal, obviously not writing him off, he can certainly take a grab.
DustyisDAtruth
Roar Rookie
Hey pete it billbob what i say 2 weeks ago ,ate the collingwood would beat west gooses......great win mate now take out soft cats tonight....p.s i won 2300 on yas last week
DustyisDAtruth
Roar Rookie
Love tha passion dave..........port will be a sweat mate dont worry we got the the full team this time