Richmond has won through to their fourth consecutive Preliminary Final, holding a gallant St Kilda at arm’s length in the 31-point win.
The Tigers kicked nine goals to three in the first half and appeared the clear stronger team, but the Saints fought hard and never dropped their head.
St Kilda had 16 shots to their name at three quarter time to Richmond’s 14, but trailed by 23 points. This summed up the game as Richmond, particularly Shai Bolton, took every 50-50 chance that came their way while the Saints had the yips in front of goal.
The Tigers’ accuracy was especially impressive, given Tom Lynch kicked five of their eight behinds.
The 2020 season will still go down as a success for St Kilda, but they will rue those missed opportunities.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Tiger MRO concern
While it’s unlikely they will be ruled out of a Preliminary Final for these indiscretions, key Richmond duo Trent Cotchin and Tom Lynch will come under scrutiny nonetheless.
The Tigers skipper laid a high tackle on Zak Jones and dragged him to ground long after the ball was out of the area.
So, @AFL, is there potential to cause injury here? If so, I'm expecting Cotchin to get a week, the same as Ben Long #AFLTigersSaints pic.twitter.com/VFhLF5WP1J
— Gordon (@beet_gordo) October 9, 2020
Gerard Whateley and Garry Lyon were highly critical of Tom Lynch, who pushed his knee into the face of Dougal Howard after giving away a 50 metre penalty.
“It won’t draw scrutiny other than it’s a dud act,” Whateley told AFL Nation.
“He’ll write another cheque for a fine,” Lyon added.
Watch the incident below.
Anything in it?#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/u5sXvEi77d
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 9, 2020
The Moment: More score review controversy
At a crucial stage before half time, Jack Sinclair had a shot on goal to give the Saints some momentum.
The kick dropped short and Nick Vlastuin tracked it to the goal line, but misjudged it in the air.
It remains unclear whether he got a fist to the ball, but the goal umpire deemed he did and the score review system came up inconclusive thanks to the fuzzy quality.
Whateley and Lyon’s flinch reaction was that Vlastuin had missed it and both were surprised when the decision was not overturned.
ARC ruled it a BEHIND pic.twitter.com/rI4ccY7rC0
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 9, 2020
A few passionate Saints have their say:
Very ordinary first half by the Saints boys. To many passengers & only a few players performing ! Need to be ferocious, tough & relentless in every department in the second half to have any chance. Plus kick bloody straight & take our chances ! Lift Saints 😡😡😡😡😡😡
— Shane Warne (@ShaneWarne) October 9, 2020
So Tom Lynch just spilt open Ben Patton with an elbow, Patton had to leave the ground, and not one Ch7 commentator mentions it? Oh wait, his name isn’t Ben Long. #AFLTigersSaints
— Eric Bana (@EricBana67) October 9, 2020
And a passionate Tiger in the crowd
One happy Tigers fan 🐯 pic.twitter.com/KmrkxrjRst
— 7AFL (@7AFL) October 9, 2020
FULL SCORE Richmond: 5.1, 9.1, 10.4, 12.8. (80) St Kilda: 2.2, 3.6, 5.11, 6.13. (49)
GOALS Richmond: Battle, Butler, Kent, Ross, Savage, Steele St Kilda: Bolton 3, Lynch 2, Edwards 2, Castagna, Martin, McIntosh, Prestia, Rioli
BEST
Richmond: Edwards, Bolton, Lynch, Martin, Houli, Baker
St Kilda: Steele, Coffield, Clark, Marshall, Ross
Reports: Nil
Injuries
Richmond: Nil
St Kilda: Membrey (leg)