Richmond has won an instant classic and advanced to their third Grand Final in four years.
Rain fell from start to finish adding to what was a game where both teams applied enormous pressure.
This led to a scrappy contest as both teams fought for territory all night. Richmond’s finals experience ultimately proved the difference in the end, with the likes of Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Toby Nankervis and Kane Lambert standing up in the final quarter in big moments.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Talking Point: Richmond one win away from destiny
One bad night in 2018 cost Richmond their three-peat, but this win puts them in a position to get, as Gerard Whateley describes it, the ‘legacy flag’.
The third flag is the difference between an incredible team and a dynasty and the Tigers will be looking to join Brisbane, Geelong and Hawthorn in achieving it this century.
Richmond has been the dominant finals team of the last four years and it showed in the fourth quarter tonight. Port Adelaide’s youngsters made errors, whether it was errant handballs or hack kicks inside 50.
The Moment: Brad Ebert concussed saving certain goal
Brad Ebert wears a helmet when he plays because of his ongoing issues with concussions.
Which made his bravery going back with the flight of the ball to stop what would have been a certain Jack Riewoldt mark deep inside 50 even more heroic.
Riewoldt’s elbow incidentally connected with Ebert’s head, clearly knocking him out.
The midfielder was carried from the ground as Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes praised his incredible bravery.
“If Port Adelaide were to win this, go and do something for this man. He has put his life on the line for them,” Cornes told AFL Nation.
Absolute courage from Ebert. Back with the flight to save a potential match winner. pic.twitter.com/XPlh4NGVas
— Brayden Cocks (@brayden_cocks) October 16, 2020
Umpiring receives harsh critique:
Holding the ball rule is a massive issue in the game. Once it’s fixed it will stop mass scrums
— Scott Pendlebury (@SP_10) October 16, 2020
Repeat myself, but holding the ball is a big issue
— Scott Pendlebury (@SP_10) October 16, 2020
Do not worry about any of these three umpiring next Saturday.
— Matthew Lodge (@MatthewSLodge) October 16, 2020
Honestly deplorable. #AFLFinals
PF: PA vs Rich: Live
— Rob Harding (@robharding21) October 16, 2020
Nightly tweet about deliberate/insufficient intent - worst rule in the game ✅#AFLPowerTigers
Plain and simple, just need to pay it when it’s there... the ones they end up paying aren’t even correct, yet they miss the most blatant ones. Mind boggling. Where’s illegal disposal gone? Grrrrrrr
— Hannah Scott (@Scotsford32) October 16, 2020
We’ve been ignoring the farce that is the deliberate out of rule for years now.
— Sam McClure (@sam_mcclure) October 16, 2020
And here we are.#AFLPowerTigers
Ah yes, deliberate #AFLPowerTigers
— Daniel Brettig (@danbrettig) October 16, 2020
FULL SCORE
Port Adelaide: 2.3, 3.3, 4.4, 6.4. (40)
Richmond: 2.1, 3.3, 4.6, 6.10. (46)
GOALS
Port Adelaide: Lambert 2, Martin 2, Lynch, Riewoldt
Richmond: Rozee 2, Dixon, Duursma, Ladhams, Lycett
BEST
Port Adelaide: Wines, Gray, Rozee, Duursma, Ebert, Jonas
Richmond: Martin, Bolton, Prestia, Balta, Lambert, Nankervis, Cotchin
Reports: Ladhams (Striking)
Injuries
Port Adelaide: Burton (hamstring), Ebert (concussion)
Richmond: Nil