Richmond 13.13 (91) beat Geelong 5.10 (40)
It has been 16 years since their last preliminary final - and the Tigers have finally made it. Are they this year’s fairytale? They certainly looked the part tonight - and Geelong looked well off the pace. Winning tonight means the Tigers will now face the winner of GWS v Port Adelaide/West Coast - and you’d back them in against any of those sides right now. On the contrary, the Cats will lick their wounds and come back next week against the winner of Sydney v Essendon - and would dread a possible clash with the Swans.
Huge game from Dion Prestia who had 31 disposals, 18 contested possessions, six marks, five clearances, six tackles, six inside 50s and a goal. And even more influential game from Dustin Martin, whose numbers don’t account for just what a game-breaker he was. He had 28 disposals in the end, six clearances, seven tackles and nine inside 50s.
For the Cats, Dangerfield (31) won the most possessions, but was poor in disposal efficiency at 45%. Full credit to the Tigers who hunted him in packs and gave him no space or time when he did win the ball. He still managed 15 contested possessions, three clearances, five tackles and a goal, but was overshadowed by Mitch Duncan, with 29 disposals, four marks, seven clearances and a huge 11 tackles.
The lid is off at Punt Rd - if the Dogs are anything to go by, they ought to embrace it. As impressive as the Crows were last night, I’d say the Tigers were just as dominant, if not more impressive given the size of the crowd, and the weight of history and the pressure of having under-performed for so long against them.
That’s all from me on this historic night, and it’s all about the Yellow and Black. Thanks to all those who joined me. Enjoy, Tigers fans!
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Q4 01:00 remaining Geelong 5.9 (39) v Richmond 13.13 (91)
Prestia sets up Lambert who can’t make the distance. That takes Prestia up to a game-high 31.
Richmond fans, is this you?
Richmond into a Prelim Final! #AFLCatsTigers #AFLFINALS pic.twitter.com/LzbeVEms1b
— Sports Prophet (@sportsprophet_) September 8, 2017
Q4 04:23 remaining Geelong 5.9 (39) v Richmond 13.13 (91)
Brilliant goal to Trent Cotchin, one of the goals of the year - I don’t know that I can even do it justice. He bullocked at the ball, picked up a contested possession, spun 180 degrees out of a possible tackle and kicked truly from 45m out.
Jack Riewoldt joins the party, with the Tigers’ 13th.
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Q4 06:20 remaining Geelong 5.9 (39) v Richmond 11.13 (79)
Harry Taylor gets a consolation goal for the Cats - not that they’ll be taking much consolation from this game. Poor showing by the Cats who have been completely blown off the park in this final quarter. I’m sure plenty will be said about the ‘home’ ground advantage this week.
Q4 10:43 remaining Geelong 4.9 (33) v Richmond 11.13 (79)
As impressive as Martin has been, he’s been selfless, a true team player. With plenty of space and the crowd behind him, he hits up Butler, who finds Caddy alone inside 50. What a performance. That’s two for him, and yet another to the Tigers.
Cats players turning on each other; it’s a capitulation.
Q4 11:57 remaining Geelong 4.9 (33) v Richmond 10.13 (73)
Four-straight to the Tigers (this time through Castagna) and the lead is suddenly forty points. They’ve been as impressive as the Cats have been disappointing in this last quarter.
Q4 13:15 remaining Geelong 4.9 (33) v Richmond 9.13 (67)
Geelong have no answer whatsoever for Dustin Martin right now - who wins another clearance (with a trademark fend-off). The ball lands in the arms of Townsend - who kicks another with just his second kick of the day. Three goals to the Tigers for the final quarter.
Q4 14:30 remaining Geelong 4.9 (33) v Richmond 8.13 (61)
Dustin Martin absolutely tearing the game apart right now - but Butler, who he sets up for a simple set shot, shanks it. Martin comes to the bench. He’s been the game-winner.
Lambert kicks the sealer.
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Q4 16:45 remaining Geelong 4.9 (33) v Richmond 7.11 (53)
Some light rain falls to begin the final quarter. What can the Cats produce? Without jinxing it (sorry Tigers fans) it looks like Richmond for their first finals win since 2001 at this stage.
Dangerfield coughs the ball up - he chooses to play on when it isn’t really an option, and is showing signs of panic.
Another fend-off by Dusty who passes off to Riewoldt, who cooks the kick.
It’s the fend-off again, and Dusty sets up a Tigers goal - finding Grigg alone in the goal-square. Just a point off the biggest lead of the game now.
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Three-quarer-time Geelong 4.9 (33) v Richmond 6.10 (46)
Dangerfield throws himself behind the ball and takes a critical contested grab. Is lifting his team. But anything Danger can do, Martin can do (?better) - and some Dusty fend-off magic links up with Jack Riewoldt to open up the field for his team. Dion Prestia is all alone in the square, and converts the Martin-assisted goal.
Tigers fans are up on their feet as the siren sounds.
Q3 02:04 remaining Geelong 4.9 (33) v Richmond 5.10 (40)
David Astbury gives away a(n admittedly soft) free kick to Tom Hawkins, who has been pushing up the ground and doing everything he can to haul his side back into the contest. He makes no mistake, and the Cats are back within a dangerously slim margin again.
Q3 03:57 remaining Geelong 3.9 (27) v Richmond 5.10 (40)
Dangerwood combine to spur the Cats on, but Danger uncharacteristically boots it out on the full. Momentum has well and truly swung back to the Tigers.
Tuohy has a running shot on goal against the flow of play - but can’t bend it back far enough.
Q3 05:31 remaining Geelong 3.8 (26) v Richmond 5.10 (40)
Big holding the ball on Dangerfield by Riewoldt, and the ball spills to Martin who gets the crowd going again with a hit-up pass to Edwards from 35m out. Two in a row to the Tigers in quick succession.
Q3 06:50 remaining Geelong 3.8 (26) v Richmond 4.10 (34)
Nick Vlaustin strikes a beautiful goal from 50m to get the Tiger army back up and roaring. Great effort by the Tigers to get back into the game; they’ve had the last six inside 50s after the Cats looked to blitz them at the beginning of the third.
Q3 08:15 remaining Geelong 3.8 (26) v Richmond 3.10 (28)
Tigers creep back in front after Riewoldt soccers one off the ground - it almost bounces through for a spectacular goal, but misses narrowly to the left. Mitch Duncan up to 20 disposals for the Cats, ten contested possessions, five clearances and seven tackles.
Daniel Rioli gets a rare possession - just his second for the night, and gives it off to Edwards for a shot at goal from a tight angle, 40m out. It’s a fair effort, but another point only to the Tigers.
Q3 11:46 remaining Geelong 3.8 (26) v Richmond 3.8 (26)
Stats have evened up a little - 24-23 clearances for the Cats, 29 inside 50s to 25 for the Tigers, 97-86 contested possessions for the Tigers.
Zach Guthrie takes a courageous, contested grab with his back to the ball. He misses poorly. Surely he’d be nervous about Menzel taking back his spot.
Q3 13:11 remaining Geelong 3.7 (25) v Richmond 3.8 (26)
Almost a spectacular goal to Danger, who snaps one out of the pack, but Rance gets the rushed behind. Richmond almost look like they’re ‘protecting’ the lead - they need to get their manic pressure and attack back.
Guthrie’s calf is a predicted three to four week injury.
Another behind to the Cats - after a Blicavs mid-air soccer goes through for a behind. Danger signs (no pun intended) for the Tigers. Ball trapped inside the Cats’ forward half.
Q3 14:46 remaining Geelong 3.5 (23) v Richmond 3.8 (26)
Parsons centres dangerously, and Houli punches through a diving, rushed behind. Tight, tense start to the third quarter. Looks like the Cats are back in it - certainly the Tigers aren’t dominating like they were. I’d be worried if I was a Tigers fan.
On cue, a goal to Parsons after a Hawkins assist, and it’s three goals in a row to the Cats.
Q3 16:04 remaining Geelong 2.4 (16) v Richmond 3.8 (26)
In some quirky news, the NRL final is almost out-scoring this AFL game. It’s 18-10 to the Roosters over the Broncos in the 63rd minute. One try each to Guerra, Cordner and Keary for the Roosters, for those interested (and one to Roberts and Oates for the Broncos).
Big ice pack on Cam Guthrie’s right calf - he won’t be back.
Q3 17:55 remaining Geelong 2.4 (16) v Richmond 3.8 (26)
Cam Guthrie headed down to the rooms - not a good sign for the Cats. No Richmond player nominates for the ruck but Dustin Martin still manages to smother through a behind.
Half-time Geelong 2.4 (16) v Richmond 3.7 (25)
DANGER! He hasn’t had his usual influence, but manages a big goal on the siren. That’s huge in the context of the game.
21 clearances to 17 for the Tigers, 28 inside 50s to 18 and 87 contested possessions to 68. After that final goal, however, Richmond will be left to rue not making the most of their opportunities - with the Cats only nine points behind.
For the Tigers, Prestia is dominating with 14 disposals, nine contested possession, three clearances, three tackles and four inside 50s. Martin also has 14 disposals, with nine contested possessions, four clearances, four tackles and four inside 50s. Caddy and Cotchin have also been influential.
Duncan is leading the way for the Cats, with 14 disposals, six contested possessions, three clearances and six tackles. Scott Selwood also has 14 disposals, with six contested possessions, five clearances and six inside 50s. Joel, however, is well down on usual output with seven disposals.
Q2 01:50 remaining Geelong 1.4 (10) v Richmond 3.7 (25)
Could the Cats finish the term goalless? It looks more and more likely, as Rance wins a holding the ball against Hawkins. He’s had an excellent game, completely blanketing Hawkins.
Best chance for the first half comes with under two minutes to go, and Motlop finally converts for the Cats after a series of fumbles. Good resilience shown by the Cats. Reckon Richmond will be nervous that they’re so close, after a half of total domination.
Q2 03:34 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 3.7 (25)
Free to Parfitt - boos following him everywhere he goes. Caddy conveniently pretends not to have heard the whistle and takes the opportunity to dump a former teammate. Caddy and Prestia very impressive to date with nine and 15 respectively.
Speaking of, Caddy picks out Riewoldt, 45m out on a tight angle. He can’t make the distance.
Q2 05:37 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 3.7 (25)
Crowd figures officially past 95,000. Feels like 95,000 Tiger fans to me. Dion Prestia up to 14 disposals, all the while tagging Joel Selwood, who only has five.
Selwood and Danger on the bench.
Q2 08:15 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 3.7 (25)
Finally the third goal to the Tigers - this time to Dan Butler, after the small forwards combine. The crowd erupts.
Great game by the Tigers so far - their tackling pressure is a real highlight; picking off the receiver with ease.
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Q2 09:19 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 2.7 (19)
Absolutely manic pressure being applied by the Tigers. Loving Prestia’s game, who wins a holding the ball free. Prestia has 12 disposals, seven contested possessions, two clearances and three tackles. The best game I’ve seen him play in yellow and black.
Such a low-scoring contest, but the Tigers deserve to be much further in front (probably more like 7.2 than 2.7). Still not a single goal to the Cats.
Q2 12:36 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 2.7 (19)
Uh oh, Parsons limping off the ground with what looks like an ankle - he came into the game underdone. Even Geelong’s veterans look rattled - like Harry Taylor who turns the ball over with a bomb long.
Houli gets one high from Parfitt - and gets 50 for his efforts. Cameron Ling sees no issue with that one (surprised?)
Q2 14:53 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 2.6 (18)
Very odd by the Cats - Tuohy runs past Hawkins and demands the ball - only to boot it out on the full. Not sure why he’d ask for the ball off Hawkins, who would easily have covered the distance. ON the replay it looks like Hawkins actually gives the ball to Tuohy without him asking for it. Even more odd. They look rattled, Geelong.
Q2 16:44 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 2.6 (18)
18 inside 50s to the Tigers, to 10 for the Cats. Joel Selwood is uncharacteristically caught holding the ball inside the Richmond 50 - and the free goes to Dion Prestia. This is his tenth disposal. He misses. Plenty of misses opportunities for the Tigers given how much they’ve dominated.
Q2 18:00 remaining Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 2.5 (17)
Guess who - Josh Caddy. Tom Stewart drops an absolute sitter, and the Tigers pounce. Riewoldt squares the ball to the man of the moment, who hits the post - again!
Trent Cotchin
Loved the game of Trent Cotchin so far - he’s up to seven disposals, with six contested possessions, five clearances and a massive five tackles.
Quarter-time Geelong 0.4 (4) v Richmond 2.4 (16)
Harry Taylor has a chance to get the Cats back to within far closer than they deserve to be - the Tigers have dominated this quarter with 46-37 contested possessions and 13-10 inside 50s. Another poster to the Cats - bizarrely, that’s four posters for the first quarter.
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Q1 00:30 remaining Geelong 0.3 (3) v Richmond 2.4 (16)
Houli gets the Tigers’ third! Or is it a free? Yes - free goes against Riewoldt - plus 50m for creeping over the mark. Not sure about the free - looked like a fair bump. Cries of ‘bullshit’ sweep over the ‘G.
Could be a two-goal turnaround, with Duncan lining up from 50m out at the other end - but he too hits the post.
Q1 03:26 remaining Geelong 0.2 (2) v Richmond 2.3 (15)
So much for Riewoldt looking nervous - he finds Dustin Martin with an excellent, centering kick. Martin is only 10m out, but on a tight angle, and unselfishly passes off to Caddy. Can he convert this time? Yes. Just two goals for the game so far, both to the Tigers.
Q1 04:15 remaining Geelong 0.2 (2) v Richmond 1.3 (9)
Contentious deliberate call goes against Joel Selwood - who is yet to really get into the game. He doesn’t agree with the umpire, funnily enough, and manages to smother the kick back into play. Good work from the skipper. Hasn’t been as impressive as Cotchin, however, who lands a big, aggressive tackle (his fifth, in just the first quarter).
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Q1 05:24 remaining Geelong 0.2 (2) v Richmond 1.3 (9)
Caddy finds Riewoldt outside 50, but he kicks into the man on the mark (Henderson). Reckon he looks nervous.
Caddy takes a big contested grab on three Geelong defenders. Mackie finds himself out-positioned. The former Cat, however, hits the post, and looks disappointed with himself.
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Q1 10:18 remaining Geelong 0.1 (1) v Richmond 1.2 (8)
Leading possession-winners are Duncan (5), Dangerfield, Tuohy and Lonergan (4 each) for the Cats, while Martin (5), Prestia, Lambert and Rance have 4 for the Tigers.
Motlop looking all at sea - kicks it out on the full after his last turnover. Tuohy taking plenty of intercept marks for the Cats in their defensive 50.
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Q1 12:50 remaining Geelong 0.1 (1) v Richmond 1.2 (8)
Both Cotchin and Martin stuck on the bench (and have been for several minutes). Rance gets one high from Taylor (after ducking into it) and is off with the blood rule (this will let their stars come back on, at least). Rance seems to lose it at his own trainer (hmm?) and gets booed. Very odd. Meanwhile Brian Taylor takes a moment to remind us all how good-looking Rance is. Like I said, odd.
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Q1 14:30 remaining Geelong 0.1 (1) v Richmond 1.2 (8)
Good contest between Taylor and Rance - no signs of Rance being overawed by Taylor’s four goals on him last match. Danger has a wayward shot at goal and gets a nasty knock to the knee. He’s limping, but looks OK - could easily have been a medial ligament injury.
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Q1 15:40 Geelong 0.0 (0) v Richmond 1.2 (8)
Several bad turnovers already - some key ones by Dangerfield and Motlop - who tries to switch through the middle and picks out three Tigers. Almost results in a Dusty goal - wouldn’t that have brought the house down?
Murdoch has the first chance to score for the Cats - but is wrong-footed and it’s out on the full. Learn to kick both sides, kids!
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Q1 17:32 Geelong 0.0 (0) v Richmond 1.1 (7)
Jack Riewoldt in all sorts of space, but fumbles and misses to the right. The moment may have got the better of him. Tiger pressure is manic - Cats have been caught holding the ball several times already.
Q1 18:04 Geelong 0.0 (0) v Richmond 1.0 (6)
First free goes to Selwood - have a guess how that was received. Cats look composed, and have been slow in their ball movement (as opposed to the frantic pace of the Tigers’ attack).
First goal is a soccer by Townsend in the goalsquare - what would the odds of that have been a month ago?
Here we go
Selwood wins the toss - with Heads (FYI). This success is greeted with further boos.
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National anthem time
For those less nationalistic amongst us, it’s always a little awkward, isn’t it. Still, nothing says September like just under 100,000 standing in unison at the MCG - and the roar of the crowd as the final notes ring out.
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And now for Geelong
Honestly, all I can hear is the booing of Tigers fans. Reminds me of travelling to Sydney to support the Bulldogs in the preliminary final against GWS last year (and GWS entering the ground to deafening boos). Reportedly, Leon Cameron was so perturbed he complained to the umpires. No complaints from Chris Scott, who tells Cameron Ling that he is certain Cats fans will make some noise should his side fire.
Here come the Tigers
The Tigers arrive to beating drums (on the turf), as well as an almighty roar. You can barely hear the theme song over those fans singing along. Goosebumps - even from a non-Richmond fan.
Tigers yet to play finals
One of the big unknowns for tonight is how the inexperienced Tigers will perform. Amongst those yet to play in a finals game are: David Astbury, Nathan Broad, Dan Butler, Jason Castagna, Jack Graham, Dion Prestia, Daniel Rioli and Jacob Townsend.
The crowd
It’ll be a record-breaking crowd for a qualifying final tonight. Estimates are in the high 90,000s. Luckily for those still stuck outside, the MCG is looking mighty fine. Spine-tingling stuff.
Are you stuck in line?
Also seeing plenty of complaints from punters at the ground about queuing times.
Shameful management @AFL not enough staff. We got here early and are greeted with at least a half hr line #MCC #aFl #AFLCatsTigers pic.twitter.com/GtLm4QnGUL
— Daniel (@Daniel_87) September 8, 2017
Geelong’s ‘home’ game?
Seeing a lot of these floating around before the game. Keen to hear your thoughts.
It's a disgrace this game isn't in Geelong. "70% Tigers fans" at a EARNED Geelong home game. Not right. @afl #aflfinals #aflCATSTigers
— Michael Cotton (@michaelrcotton) September 8, 2017
Welcome
Hello and welcome to this special AFL finals blog of the sold-out Geelong v Richmond qualifying final at the MCG. I’m Kate O’Halloran and I’m here to take you through all tonight’s action. Feel free to contribute in comments below, to tweet me @kate_ohalloran or email me: kate.ohalloran.freelance@guardian.co.uk.
This is surely one of the most anticipated finals games in recent years, particularly for a chronically-underperforming Tigers outfit who lost three straight elimination finals between 2013-15 (under current coach Damien Hardwick, who holds a winless finals record). This is the first time Richmond have played in a qualifying final since 2001, and concerningly for the Tiger army, they haven’t won one since way back in 1980. Let’s not mention that though, shall we Richmond fans? If you want all the bad news upfront, though, the Cats have won their last 13 matches against the Yellow and Black. Alarmingly, the last time the Tigers won against the Cats was in round nine, 2006. And if you think that having this final played at the MCG might disadvantage the Cats, don’t look now: the Tigers haven’t won against the Cats at the MCG since last century (1999).
We all know, however, that this season hasn’t been any ordinary one for the Tigers, led by man-of-the-moment and newly re-signed star, Dustin Martin, underrated captain Trent Cotchin, and All Australian captain Alex Rance. Rance leads the third-best defence in the league, with the Tigers conceding just 76 points a game on average. Despite the brilliant leadership of household names in Cotchin, Rance and Martin, the key to the Tigers’ success this year has been team cohesion, hunger and improvement across the board, even in the most unlikely of places (Jacob Townsend anyone?) Can’t wait to see how their lesser lights perform on the big stage tonight.
Geelong won’t be overawed - or at least shouldn’t be. Their team has a combined 185 games of finals experience, while the Tigers have just 65. They will also welcome back their captain in Joel Selwood, after his incredible recovery from a syndesmosis injury (and ankle surgery) for another round of ‘Dangerwood’. Match-ups will be crucial: look for Harry Taylor to repeat his defensive forward effort on Alex Rance in round 21 (in which he also managed four goals), while Scott Selwood will surely get a tagging role, probably on Cotchin. Cam Guthrie may be the match-up for Martin - but look for Scott to spring some surprises. Geelong have disappointed in finals campaigns in more recent times, failing to make the big dance from three qualifying finals in the past four years. Look for them to come out ready to avenge those failures.
There are some milestones in tonight’s game; not that it needs any more hype. Patrick Dangerfield plays his 200th game (and ninth final) - and I envision a best-on-ground from him. Good luck stopping him, Tiges. Meanwhile, Kane Lambert plays his 50th.
I’m tipping the Cats in a close one - but can’t help but think the MCG is unequivocally the home of the Yellow and Black. I reckon the entire army and more will be there tonight* - and despite what the exec will say, that could well be a deciding factor.
*I can attest to this, having caught the South Morang home past Jolimont on the way home (in peak hour). Yes, that’s right, I actually trained past the MCG to cover this for you, from my couch in Northcote.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, here’s what happened in last night’s opening finals match:
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