Richmond have solidified their status as premiership favourites and booked a place in their second consecutive Preliminary Final with a commanding 31-point win over Hawthorn in tonight’s Qualifying Final at the MCG.
After a tight and tense first half in slippery conditions, the Tigers kicked away in the third term, booting five goals to two to open up an unassailable 35-point lead.
The reigning premiers have taken a big step towards defending their crown and after this performance, they will take some beating this finals series.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Is Alex Rance in trouble for eye-gouging?
Richmond defender Alex Rance and Hawthorn small forward Paul Puopolo were involved in an incident during the second quarter of tonight’s Qualifying Final.
Rance appeared to grab at Puopolo’s face as the two tussled underneath the pack.
The Hawk didn’t seem happy with the treatment from the champion Tiger.
Will Rance come under scrutiny from the MRO?
Alex Rance and Paul Puopolo were involved in an incident in the second quarter.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/xLD7raUl3f
— AFL.com.au (@AFLcomau) September 6, 2018
The Moments: Rioli and Martin light up the ‘G
The Rioli name and September go hand-in-hand.
And Richmond livewire Daniel Rioli lived up to that billing with a piece of individual brilliance early in the second quarter of tonight’s Qualifying Final against Hawthorn.
The Tigers small forward successfully took possession and dribbled the ball home in wet and greasy conditions to put the reigning premiers back in front.
With the 21-year-old’s effort seemingly goal of the night, Dustin Martin bettered that minutes later, threading the eye of the needle from an impossible angle.
WOW!
— AFL (@AFL) September 6, 2018
Daniel Rioli producing some brilliance in September.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/2BzeVE4Qf4
GET OUT OF HERE DUSTY!
— AFL (@AFL) September 6, 2018
YOU'RE KIDDING!#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/LeemsbrcUJ
The Star: Dustin Martin
In his 200th match, Dustin Martin marked the occasion with a best on ground display against Hawthorn.
Martin asserted himself on the match from the get-go, dominating around the stoppages and breaking the lines with his run and penetrative ability by foot.
The Brownlow Medallist scored a stunning goal from the boundary in the second term and could basically do no wrong.
1116 SEN callers Gererd Whateley and Daisy Pearce were in awe of Martin’s impact on the contest.
Whateley: There was no room for Dusty but he found a way out to set up the goal!
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) September 6, 2018
Daisy: Just when we said Hawthorn were gaining control of the tempo...enter Dustin Martin.#AFLTigersHawks #AFLFinals
Martin ended the night with 29 disposals with 17 of them contested, 10 clearances, five inside 50s, four tackles and that miraculous goal from the pocket.
Medical Room: Ben Stratton injuries hamstring
Hawthorn defender Ben Stratton injured his hamstring during the third quarter of tonight’s Qualifying Final.
Stratton took no further part in the match and the Hawks will be praying it’s not a substantial tear as he is such a key figure down back.
What’s next?
Richmond will enjoy a week off before gearing up for a Preliminary Final in a fortnight’s time.
Hawthorn must dust themselves off and look to bounce back when they face either Geelong or Melbourne in a Semi-Final clash next weekend.
Full Score
Richmond: 2.2, 5.7, 10.13, 13.17.95
Hawthorn: 2.3, 3.5, 5.8, 9.10.64
GOALS
Richmond: McIntosh 3, Rioli 3, Caddy 2, Martin, Prestia, Edwards, Higgins, Graham
Hawthorn: Roughead 3, Nash, Impey, Shiels, Mitchell, Breust, Smith
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Cotchin, Prestia, Rioli, McIntosh, Grimes, Vlastuin
Hawthorn: O'Meara, Mitchell, Henderson, Shiels, Smith
Injuries
Richmond: Nil
Hawthorn: Stratton (hamstring)
Reports: Nil
Official crowd: 91,446