Richmond have secured their fourth win of the season in dramatic fashion, taking down GWS by six points at Giants Stadium.
Richmond came out firing in the opening term, with their six goals leading to their highest-scoring first quarter for the season.
This initial flurry came in unorthodox fashion for the Tigers, with Richmond dominating the stoppage game in a fashion has rarely been seen at the club.
However, GWS ensured this stoppage dominance wouldn’t continue for the rest of the game, stepping up their effort levels as they clawed their way back into the contest with a four-goal second quarter.
With the momentum of the game shifting as half-time approached, the Tigers looked to up their energy in order to cement their lead in the second half.
This almost paid off in the third term as Richmond controlled the bulk of the frantic quarter, yet a rough stretch of goal-kicking (2.6 in the quarter) saw the Tigers unable to pull away.
With the margin just 16 points entering the final term, the stage was set for a dramatic conclusion to the Sunday afternoon clash.
A pair of goals within the first three minutes of the quarter brought the Giants within single digits almost immediately, with the Tigers left to rue their own previous inaccuracy.
What followed was an exhilarating stretch of football, with young guns and veterans alike from both clubs trading goals, all leading to a tie game with just five minutes left on the clock.
Fahey at one end, Judson Clarke at the other.
— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2023
Youngsters stepping up on the big stage 🔥#AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/4Q7j2yigqh
GWS ruckman Kieren Briggs broke the tie with an impressive shot from 35 metres, yet an immediate answer from Dion Prestia drew the game level once more.
With both sides displaying immense levels of pressure, the final three minutes turned into an arm wrestle, with neither side able to gain clean possession.
Yet in the final minute, the Tigers’ broke inside 50 through a scrambling chain of possession, leading to a game-winning opportunity for Marlion Pickett, which he did not waste.
MARLION PICKETT IS THE HERO!#AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/6yfQIaRgsK
— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2023
The win marks the first of Andrew McQualter’s time at the helm of Richmond, and it couldn’t have come in more dramatic fashion.
The Tigers’ attack was led by a vintage performance from Jack Riewoldt, who kicked five goals and broke a stretch of rough form for the veteran.
All's well that ends well, right? đź«Ł#AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/DVSLT6kq3C
— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2023
Through the middle, Tim Taranto was dominant in his first matchup against his old club, racking up 35 touches, nine clearances and a goal.
For the Giants, Tom Green, Callan Ward, Lachie Ash and Lachie Whitfield all shined with 30+ possessions, while ruckman Kieren Briggs put together the best performance of his young career with 11 disposals, 31 hitouts and a pair of goals.
THE BIG FELLA FROM THE STOPPAGE!!#AFLGiantsTigers pic.twitter.com/WQoeyIqNAO
— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2023
Having now notched their fourth win of the year, Richmond will be looking to build on this momentum and climb further up the ladder with a strong showing against Fremantle next week.
On the other hand, GWS will have a perfect opportunity to bounce back from this heart-breaking loss in Round 13, taking on the struggling North Melbourne.
FULL SCORE
GWS: 2.4, 6.9, 8.12, 15.14. (104)
Richmond: 6.4, 9.4, 11.10, 16.14. (110)
GOALS
GWS: Greene 3, Briggs 2, Bedford, O’Halloran, Hogan, Ward, Brown, Cadman, Callaghan, Daniels
Richmond: Riewoldt 5, Clarke 2, Pickett 2, Bolton, Ryan, Mansell, Graham, McIntosh, Prestia, Taranto
BEST
GWS: Green, Ash, Callaghan, Ward, Briggs
Richmond: Taranto, Riewoldt, Short, Balta, Prestia
INJURIES
GWS: Brent Daniels (hamstring)
Richmond: N/A
Image: Richmond Tigers Twitter (@Richmond_FC)