Richmond has claimed its first minor Premiership since 1982, defeating a gallant Essendon by eight points at the MCG.
Despite a last quarter comeback led by Cale Hooker and Tom Bellchambers, it was too little too late for the Bombers, who have officially been knocked out of the finals race.
The Tigers got out to a 33-point lead at the beginning of the last quarter, but their lead was very quickly trimmed to under two goals by the Bombers, who threw everything at their much-fancied opposition.
A lot was riding on the game for the Bombers, who would still have been a mathematical chance to qualify for the finals had they won tonight.
But missed opportunities and skill errors means the Bombers will have to miss out yet again.
Essendon started the match on fire, with Mark Baguely drawing first blood out of a stoppage.
But Richmond did not let their lack of personnel let them down, as Jack Riewoldt and Dustin Martin in particular stood up and ensured the Tigers got the ball rolling.
Through Josh Caddy, Jason Castagna and Martin, Richmond booted three unanswered goals to lead at quarter-time by nine points.
The second quarter started much like the first, with Essendon’s Travis Colyer gifting his side with the perfect start.
Despite dominating the ball, the Bombers were unable to overcome Richmond’s defensive pressure, with each wave of attack being met by a yellow and black wall.
Devon Smith was nevertheless able to break through, kicking the second goal of the term with 10 minutes remaining in the quarter to level the scores heading into the main break.
Andrew McGrath was the major ball winner for the Bombers, with the emerging star constantly moving effortlessly into space and taking on the loose ball to create scoring opportunities.
But Richmond’s defensive midfielders continued to make life difficult for the Bombers, and were rewarded with a last minute goal from Josh Caddy to lead by eight points at half-time.
Richmond failed to make the most of opportunities in the second term scoring 1.6 to Essendon’s 2.1.
It was however a different story in the third quarter as the Tigers put the afterburners on.
Caddy converted two goals inside a minute after taking two contested marks inside 50, notching up his fourth major for the match.
Late third quarter goals from Darcy Parish and Jake Stringer ensured the Bombers had a pulse, but the Tigers continued their onslaught as goals from Martin and rookie Liam Baker made it appear the the home side would head into the final term with a comfortable lead.
But in the final seconds of the quarter, Essendon’s Mitch Brown scored a quick goal, giving his side a chance of salvaging their season, going into the final break 21 points down.
As expected, Richmond started the final quarter on the front foot.
Goals from acting captain Riewoldt and Martin all but sealed up the win for the Tigers, or so everyone thought.
Somehow the Bombers found an extra gear, as Hooker kicked back-to-back goals to set up a frantic final few minutes.
Hope continued to increase for the Bombers as Tom Bellchambers scored a goal after winning the ruck contest, but a lack of conviction for the Bombers ultimately proved to be their biggest weakness.
Golden opportunities going astray meant the Bombers were unable to apply severe scoreboard pressure on the Tigers who were able to hang on and secure their first minor Premiership since 1982.
Richmond will have another opportunity to lengthen their record winning streak at the MCG next Saturday against the Western Bulldogs, while Essendon will close out their season at Adelaide Oval when they face Port Adelaide on Friday.
RICHMOND 4.0 5.6 10.8 12.9 (81)
ESSENDON 2.3 4.4 7.5 11.7 (73)
GOALS
Richmond: Caddy 4, Martin 4, Riewoldt 2, Baker, Castagna
Essendon: Hooker 3, Brown 2, Bellchambers, Stringer, Parish, Smith, Colyer, Baguley
BEST
Richmond: Caddy, Martin, Grigg, Ellis, Conca
Essendon: Smith, McKenna, Heppell, McGrath, Zaharakis
INJURIES
Richmond Nil
Essendon Nil
Comments