The Cats paid a heavy price to bring in Jeremy Cameron for this very specific purpose.
The Cats knew they had to load up to match Richmond after 2020’s decider and they went all out, bringing in Cameron, Shaun Higgins and Isaac Smith at great expense. All three were superb in the rematch on Friday night.
The Tigers looked the better team for a half of footy, but Geelong kept pace before exploding away with a dominant third quarter.
Here’s everything you need to know!
The Difference: Geelong’s trade period additions tip the scales
Jeremy Cameron’s presence has flipped the Geelong versus Richmond matchup on its head.
It goes without saying that having two Coleman Medallists in your forward line makes life difficult for opposition backlines, but having the two genuine key forwards, and Esava Ratugolea, gave the Cats a structural advantage as much as anything.
Richmond’s backline looked jumpy and unorganised and never has Dylan Grimes’ absence been felt more.
Cameron kicked six goals and was dominant in the third quarter when the Cats pulled ahead.
Both Shaun Higgins and Isaac Smith were influential as well in the first game where all three trade period additions featured in the blue and white.
How Richmond responds when/if these two teams meet again in September now becomes the thing to watch.
You’d hope not
— Kane Cornes (@kanecornes) May 7, 2021
The Moment: Shai Bolton takes the mark of the year so far
It goes without saying that this is the mark of the year so far.
Shai Bolton took an absolute screamer, highlighting just how dangerous he is inside 50.
Bolton had an excellent game, having a big impact both in the midfield and up forward.
SHAI GOT UP 😱😱😱
— 7AFL (@7AFL) May 7, 2021
(watch on 7) pic.twitter.com/7qfpvSznk3
And make sure you give the SEN Anthony Hudson call of the mark a listen!
The Talking Point: Tigers now 0-3 in Grand Final rematches
Richmond has three premierships in four years so it’s hard to imagine anyone associated with the club is losing any sleep over this.
But it remains a fact that Adelaide in 2018, GWS in 2020 and Geelong in 2021 have gotten the better of them.
Revenge is sweet, but premiership medallions are still sweeter.
This is/was a total Richmond type game...massive pressure, massive contests, high turnover numbers. Cats just smashed then at their own game. Bloody awesome
— David King (@davidking34) May 7, 2021
What’s next?
From one Grand Final rematch to another, Richmond hosts GWS at Marvel Stadium next Saturday night. Geelong meanwhile remains on the Friday night stage, taking on St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
FULL SCORE
Richmond: 4.3, 7.7, 8.9, 9.9. (63)
Geelong: 1.3, 6.4, 14.8, 19.12. (126)
GOALS
Richmond: Bolton 3, Aarts 3, Lynch, Riewoldt, Rioli
Geelong: Cameron 6, Rohan 5, Hawkins 4, Smith 2, Close, Higgins
BEST
Richmond: Bolton, Aarts, Edwards, Houli, Short
Geelong: Cameron, Guthrie, Hawkins, Rohan, Stewart, Higgins, Henderson, Smith
INJURIES
Richmond: Edwards (ankle)
Geelong: Simpson (lower body)
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