And now for Adelaide...
Well, it’s all over here at the MCG, and the longest current grand final drought is broken: Richmond will play off against Adelaide in next week’s grand final after a 35-year-long wait. They did it in style, with Daniel Rioli starring in a breakout game to kick four goals (he also had 14 disposals, six contested possessions, six tackles and eight inside 50s). On TV currently, he says he’s ‘speechless’ and is ‘jealous’ of Cyril and Maurice’s success - it’s his turn now, though. He’s asked about how things might be at home tonight (he lives with coach Damien Hardwick! - but says there’s ‘not a lot of footy talk’ at home).
Likewise, Trent Cotchin led from the front, willing his side into next week with 26 disposals, 17 contested possessions, seven clearances, nine tackles and five inside 50s. He, however, will face an incredibly nervous wait after his hit on Dylan Shiel, which left Shiel concussed and unable to take any further part in the game.
For the Giants, Callan Ward never stopped trying, with 25 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven clearances, six tackles, seven inside 50s and three goals. Josh Kelly also starred with 28 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six clearances, eight tackles and a goal. They’ll rue some down performances from big names in Johnson, Deledio, Greene and Wilson - and suffered a huge blow when they lost Shiel. It’s hard not to see them there again with so much talent - but they need to find a way to take that next step.
Some great footage of Matthew Richardson in the commentary box celebrating the win - says he’s ‘supported Richmond since I was a kid’ and ‘couldn’t be happier’. Bet a lot of people are feeling like he is right now. Enjoy the week, Tigers supporters.
That’s all from me - but I hope you’ll join us again for the biggest game of the season next week. It’s the two clubs with the biggest droughts in current AFL history - Adelaide (1998) and Richmond (1982). All that ends next week - with every player on the ground playing their first grand final. Can’t wait.
Into the rooms
An almighty roar greets the Tigers in their rooms, and it’s a ferocious rendition of “Oh we’re from Tigerland”. Damien Hardwick watches on with an enormous, proud smile. Well done, Richmond. Will do a little-wrap up now - and let you know if anything else exciting happens!
If you’re an NRL fan, we’ve got a live blog of the Roosters v Cowboys game for you right here.
Dustin Martin
Says this is ‘surreal’ and he always intended to split 50-50 between midfield and forward. Thanks his teammates for their incredible pressure. Says hi to his Dad, who is of course in NZ and has been denied entry back into Australia: “I know you’re watching, I love you”.
Jack Riewoldt
Riewoldt has tears in his eyes as he’s interviewed by ‘Richo’. Thanks the ‘amazing’ supporters at the club after such difficult times over the last while. Pays credit to Cotchin - says he’s had a wonderful year given the ‘questions that were asked over his captaincy’. Also pays credit to the new players the club attracted in the off-season - Caddy, Prestia and Nankervis - and the youth at the club - highlighted by Rioli’s four goals. Says Damien Hardwick showed great maturity to ‘strip himself back and take some responsibility’ for the things that weren’t working - and that new coaches have helped turn things around.
Richmond 15.13 (103) beat GWS 8.13 (67)
Richmond are into their first grand final since 1982! Unbelievable scenes at the MCG - Matthew Richardson is choked with emotion as he announces from the commentary box that the wait is over. Some Tigers players are in tears - and I’m sure more than a few fans (hi 20CharactersNoSpaces).
Trent Cotchin tells Cameron Ling that “12 months in football is a long time”, indeed.
Speaking of tears, Stevie J is also crying as he’s clapped off the ground by both sides.
Updated
Q4 00:20 remaining Richmond 15.13 (103) v GWS 8.13 (61)
Apparently next week will be the first grand final for every single player in each team - the only time that’s ever happened before is in the first grand final.
Q4 01:25 remaining Richmond 15.13 (103) v GWS 8.13 (61)
Butler runs into an open goal and the players finally let loose - Martin embraces Cotchin on the bench - the Tigers players believe. What a build-up it’ll be.
Q4 03:00 remaining Richmond 14.13 (97) v GWS 8.13 (61)
Even Damien Hardwick is convinced it’s over - as he takes Dustin Martin protectively from the ground. Castagna almost runs into an open goal - but decides belatedly to handball it to Butler and it’s over the line. A rare blunder for the Tigers. Matthew Richardson congratulates Peggy O’Neill and the board for ‘sticking fat’ with Hardwick after so much conjecture on his future and the future of the club last year.
How good has Nankervis been? That’s his fifth intercept mark in defensive 50.
Updated
Q4 06:20 remaining Richmond 14.12 (96) v GWS 8.13 (61)
It’s definitely, definitely, actually over. Dan Butler snaps a goal after Hopper coughs the ball up in defence. The brief Giants resistance is done. Mammoth effort from Phil Davis before that to deny the Tigers - wonder how he’ll feel watching his old side in the grand final next week. He and Deledio will be in the same boat.
Updated
Q4 07:46 remaining Richmond 13.12 (90) v GWS 8.13 (61)
Deledio has a snap at goal, but it bounces out. Tigers fans unreasonably anxious about this, all literally sitting on the edges of their seats - I empathise. I refused to believe the Dogs had won the grand final last year, even with a minute to go.
Jack Riewoldt has a chance for his only goal of the day - and he snaps it after Martin centres from the boundary. Still - the Tigers fans on TV can’t look. You’ve got this.
Q4 09:39 remaining Richmond 12.11 (83) v GWS 8.13 (61)
Mystere_Cygne tweets in to ask me what next for the Giants - “another year down the drain. Won’t have this talent at their disposal forever”. Tend to agree - very unlucky to lose a heartbreaker last year, and now they’ve failed to perform on the big stage, even with that motivation fresh in their minds. Just think they’ve been unlucky to run into the Tigers in this kind of unbelievable form - their pressure and will to win is second to none - what you’d expect from a 35-year drought. Still - reckon they possibly made a mistake playing Stevie J, while the trade for Deledio hasn’t worked out - that’s most obvious today.
Two in a row to the Giants through Patton - could they still be a chance? I’d be embarrassed, but it won’t happen, Tigers fans - even with your record. I promise.
Q4 12:54 remaining Richmond 12.11 (83) v GWS 7.13 (55)
Can Himmelberg give the Giants a sniff (and the Tigers a scare?) - it’s through, but I reckon only the most pessimistic will be worried.
Q4 14:47 remaining Richmond 12.11 (83) v GWS 6.12 (48)
Agree with Cameron Ling’s analysis (that’s rare!) - said GWS’ big names, Deledio and Johnson in particular, have gone missing today (as has Greene, and Patton) while the Tigers have had such an even spread of performers.
Nothing going the Giants’ way - and Scully hits the post from 50m out.
Updated
Q4 16:10 remaining Richmond 12.11 (83) v GWS 6.11 (47)
Standing ovation for Cotchin - what a game he’s had. 22 disposals, 16 contested possessions, seven clearances and eight tackles.
Wendy can’t even. Having been there myself with the Doggies last year - I’d like to assure all Tigers fans that this is happening, and you will be in a grand final next week.
Kate this is too much 🐯🐯🐯
— Wendy B (@wendy_wenna) September 23, 2017
Q4 17:50 remaining Richmond 12.11 (83) v GWS 6.11 (47)
Thanks to Aaron for tweeting in the Dylan Shiel footage - couldn’t find it anywhere. Since the Tigers will win by a long way this becomes more relevant.
@Kate_ohalloran is this the footage you're looking for? https://t.co/KDdrIDQFqe
— アーロン Aaron 阿龍 (@tripperhead) September 23, 2017
Q4 18:49 remaining Richmond 12.11 (83) v GWS 6.10 (46)
Deledio sitting on the bench for the start of the quarter - looks dejected and bewildered.
Guess who? Dusty boots the first goal of the quarter - but it was that man Rioli who again had a hand in it - intercepting a handpass by Hopper to force the ball forward. He’s had an incredible game.
Three-quarter-time Richmond 11.11 (77) v GWS 6.10 (46)
Giants have no answers for the Tigers at the moment - exemplified by some poor decisions with the ball with a minute remaining. Deledio had the composure to find Haynes wide and in plenty of space - but he bombed the ball long to space, and Rance took an easy intercept grab. Their forward line looks completely dysfunctional and players are dropping their heads and being outworked with some poor defensive efforts. Can’t see this going any other way than a big Richmond win - and an end to a 35-year drought.
Q3 00:12 remaining Richmond 11.11 (77) v GWS 6.10 (46)
Martin wins a free for holding the man against Heath Shaw - there really wasn’t much in it. He boots the Tigers to a 31-point lead and - in all probability - a grand final.
Updated
Q3 01:52 remaining Richmond 10.11 (71) v GWS 6.10 (46)
Tigers would be feeling confident now - they’ve kicked six of the last seven. Well done by the Giants, though, who against all the momentum find Himmelberg 45m out. It’s a terrible, awful, horrendous looking kick, and wobbles through for a point. Crowd and pressure a huge factor now.
Dustin Martin looks injured - looks to have taken a hit to the rib after falling on Shaw’s knee. Gets to his feet to a huge cheer.
Q3 03:30 remaining Richmond 10.11 (71) v GWS 6.9 (45)
Martin! The crowd were up well before he was - and he takes a strong, contested grab 20m out on a tight angle. He goes for a snap goal and it’s the Tigers by 26 points.
Q3 04:16 remaining Richmond 9.11 (65) v GWS 6.9 (45)
Williams takes an enormous risk, trying to find a teammate in-between three Tigers - and they’re horribly open. Edwards has a shot on goal and converts - it’s a game-high lead.
Updated
Q3 05:40 remaining Richmond 8.11 (59) v GWS 6.9 (45)
Giants can’t buy a goal - Patton goes for a mark one-handed, and looks flat-footed and slow when the ball hits the ground. Greene is playing in the middle so they don’t have quick forwards. Poor handball by Scully gifts the ball to McIntosh but he can’t convert from 50m.
Q3 06:45 remaining Richmond 8.10 (58) v GWS 6.9 (45)
Johnson’s back in the action and gets an in-the-back free, this time even further out. He tries to centre it, and it’s a horrible kick to Grigg - plus a 50m against Coniglio. Things unravelling for the Giants.
Q3 07:00 remaining Richmond 8.10 (58) v GWS 6.9 (45)
Greene wins a crucial ball in the middle, handballs to Kelly and he finds Steve Johnson 40m out. He doesn’t have the distance, however, and passes off to Wilson who kicks it out of bounds on the full under pressure after being shut down by the Tigers who were onto it. Demoralising moment for the Giants.
Q3 09:19 remaining Richmond 8.10 (58) v GWS 6.9 (45)
Contentious deliberate out of bounds paid against Greene - too harsh for mine. It results in another goal to Rioli - his fourth. He’s on fire - and the difference so far. That’s his career-high.
Q3 10:00 remaining Richmond 7.10 (52) v GWS 6.9 (45)
This time it’s Cotchin out of the middle - and some Rioli brilliance keeps the ball in - and forces it forward for a near-mark to Castagna. Ward clears but can only find Dylan Grimes - who has three goals for his career. He doesn’t add to his tally.
Q3 11:20 remaining Richmond 7.9 (51) v GWS 6.9 (45)
Tom Scully doing everything he can to keep his side in it - he’s had 17 disposals - six contested possessions, four marks, three tackles and four inside 50s. He senses that the Giants are at risk of being blown away in the next few minutes. Critical next goal.
Has Cal Ward got it, or is the ball already over the line? Score review shows the ball is only partly over - three goals for him. Big game from the captain and a crucial one for the tide of momentum.
Q3 13:30 remaining Richmond 7.9 (51) v GWS 5.7 (37)
Feel like the Tigers are getting on top with their manic pressure - and it pays off with a Townsend goal, weight of numbers and tackles carrying the ball forward. Giants missing Shiel through the midfield too.
Q3 14:37 remaining Richmond 6.9 (45) v GWS 5.7 (37)
GWS’ forwards haven’t had a great game so far - apart from the two to Himmelberg their goals have come from their midfielders in Kelly and Ward - nothing for Patton, Greene or Johnson.
Some ferocious tackling from the Tigers this quarter - this time through Toby Nankervis who catches Whitfield holding the ball - and Rioli wins a free after worrying his opponent into it. It’s rushed through by Shaw.
Q3 16:11 remaining Richmond 6.8 (44) v GWS 5.7 (37)
Great clearance by Scully almost sets up a Greene goal - but he can’t get boot to ball and it’s rushed through for a behind. Hasn’t had a great game, Toby. Think I jinxed him earlier - but he still has time to do something ‘special’.
Daniel Rioli! Another brilliant snap from him for his third. He’s lifting his side, as is Cotchin, whose brilliant tackling delivered a holding the ball and inside 50 which led to that goal.
Q3 18:27 remaining Richmond 5.8 (38) v GWS 5.6 (36)
Nervy start to the third for the Giants - Martin wins the clearance, Haynes gets caught (should’ve been holding the ball) by Rioli, and Martin’s snap at goal just shaves the post.
Little break as Astbury is off with the blood rule. Steve Johnson relentlessly sledging Cotchin - surely about the Shiel incident.
Updated
Is Cotchin in trouble?
Keen on your thoughts. Can’t help but think this might be how it goes (below). Will get you some vision once someone finally posts it!
Richmond make the GF Cotchin gets off. Richmond lose today and he misses Rd 1 2018.Politics of the highest order in the AFL #AFLTigersGiants
— DAMIEN (@DamienDzanic) September 23, 2017
Here’s a still at least:
"That is probably the worrying thing..."
— 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) September 23, 2017
Former MRP member has his say on the Trent Cotchin hit https://t.co/VAWoLgd2I6 #AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/hsL9ZpgY7F
Updated
Half-time Richmond 5.7 (37) v GWS 5.6 (36)
Just loved Josh Kelly’s game so far - 17 disposals, with seven contested possessions, four clearances, three marks, three tackles and a goal. Player of the game so far for mine. Callan Ward also starring with 13 disposals, five contested possessions, two clearances and four tackles.
For the Tigers, Trent Cotchin has 15 disposals, 11 contested possessions, five clearances (including three centre clearances), two tackles and two inside 50s. Lots of talk of him attracting an automatic suspension for the contact with Shiel given his record. Wow, wouldn’t that be a story. Still, the Giants in with an enormous chance of upsetting the favourites here.
Half-time Richmond 5.7 (37) v GWS 5.6 (36)
Stevie J sends us off in style with a backhanded clip to Alex Rance’s face - followed by a laugh and hand-up for Rance.
Stats are still fairly even - 18-16 clearances for the Giants, 83-71 contested possessions and a huge 25-7 hit outs (although Nankervis has been at his intercepting best down back). The Tigers lead inside 50s 29-28, and tackles 32-28. I wonder how much the loss of Shiel will tell for GWS - that’s the big story of the quarter, and possibly the match.
Q2 00:44 remaining Richmond 5.7 (37) v GWS 5.6 (36)
Brilliant smother from Davis on Rioli - who had a chance from a crowd-lifting third, and panicked, dropping the ball.
Some concerned looks on Giants fans. #AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/CJA0QBTGWv
— Titus O'Reily (@TitusOReily) September 23, 2017
Updated
Q2 01:44 remaining Richmond 5.6 (36) v GWS 5.6 (36)
News on Dylan Shiel - he has delayed concussion - apparently had blurred vision at the quarter-time break, and failed the concussion test. Big free-kick against Williams goes down-field - and it’s to Dustin Martin of all people. He shanks it - very unlike Martin. Scores level.
Q2 04:16 remaining Richmond 5.5 (35) v GWS 5.6 (36)
Great spoil by Tom Scully saves a certain mark and goal to Josh Caddy, but Dustin Martin breaks two tackles to find Dion Prestia 40m out on a slight angle. It’s a terrible kick - doesn’t even make the distance, and it’s marked by Davis. Richmond have missed plenty of opportunities, and the crowd is quiet.
Spoke too soon - Rioli kicks a long-range running goal from outside 50m - and the crowd are well into it.
Updated
Q2 06:55 remaining Richmond 4.5 (29) v GWS 5.6 (36)
Shiel puts the jacket on on the bench - Ling speculates he might be concussed rather than having done a shoulder. Looks like he won’t play again, with a blanket over his knees now too - and that the Giants will be down a very important man. Trent Cotchin will also be very nervous - if the Tiges win, that is.
Some physical magic from Dusty wins the ball back for the Tigers in the middle - and Townsend has a shot on goal as a result. He’s scored 8.0 from set shots, the former Giant. Make that 8.1.
Q2 09:50 remaining Richmond 4.4 (28) v GWS 5.4 (34)
Feels like the Giants have dominated this one without making the Tigers pay on the scoreboard. Toby Greene gets a very unpopular free kick after he appeared to drop the knees into a tackle. Cal Ward has a chance to convert from 45m out - this would be his second, and would give GWS the lead. It’s never in doubt.
Q2 11:30 remaining Richmond 4.4 (28) v GWS 4.4 (28)
Fantastic play by the Giants - but Kelly hits the post. Brilliant pick-up by Whitfield on the run in-between a couple of Tigers set him up, but he can’t convert some excellent team play. Johnson involved too - after first giving away a free kick. Has seemed his typical angry self.
Jack Graham for an unusual set shot- he’s only had two in his career to date (for two goals!) This one’s out on the full.
Dylan Shiel back down into the rooms with more shoulder trouble.
Q2 14:05 remaining Richmond 4.4 (28) v GWS 4.3 (27)
Ward takes on Rioli but is caught - big contest for the younger player. Ward is caught holding the ball after falling on it. The Giants, however, win it back, and it finds Kelly at 45m out on a sharp angle. Greene involved in that passage of play - but has been quiet so far, only four disposals so far.
Kelly kicks a big goal from his 11th disposal.
Q2 16:46 remaining Richmond 4.4 (28) v GWS 3.3 (21)
Castagna paid a contested mark that spills after he takes front-on contact. It’s another bad kick - he can’t make the distance. This is after Himmelberg had the chance to take a contested grab at the other end in the square - but was spoiled by Broad to save a goal. Both teams running the ball end to end at the start of this quarter.
Brett Deledio finds the ball deep in defensive 50 to his first real round of boos. Didn’t sound venomous.
Q2 18:82 remaining Richmond 4.4 (28) v GWS 3.3 (21)
Tigers get the turnover and run it all the way from half-back to Castagna who lines up for his second goal.
He goes for a snap from straight in front - and misses. Poor miss.
Quarter-time Richmond 4.3 (27) v GWS 3.3 (21)
Stats at quarter-time are very even. 11-9 clearances to the Giants, 44-35 contested possessions to the Giants, and 106-82 disposals to the Giants, while they’re also well on top in hit-outs 14=5. Tigers leading inside 50s 15-14. Dustin Martin is playing mostly forward and hasn’t had the same impact on the game he has so far this year (still up to six disposals though).
Lambert leads disposals for the Tigers - he has seven, with three contested possessions, a clearance and a goal. For the Giants, Kelly and Tomlinson both have ten disposals each. Kelly has six contested possessions and four clearances.
Quarter-time Richmond 4.3 (27) v GWS 3.3 (21)
Holding the ball against Josh Kelly - who has so far had a superb game, just tried to take on too much and got gang-tackled in typical Tigers-pressure style. It sets up another inside 50 for the Tigers. Tigers finding plenty of space in their forward 50.
With six seconds remaining Tim Taranto finds Jon Patton on the lead - but he plays on as the siren sounds! Would have been a goal to Toby Greene too.
Tempers flaring at quarter-time - with Johnson heavily involved.
Updated
Q1 02:45 remaining Richmond 4.3 (27) v GWS 3.3 (21)
Lambert finds Dustin Martin on the lead who unselfishly passes off to Caddy who is free 15m out - he in turn unselfishly handballs over to Castagna who kicks it from the square. Tigers - and crowd - back into the game.
Q1 04:35 remaining Richmond 3.3 (21) v GWS 3.3 (21)
Brett Deledio is finally in the game - with a nice tackle to arrest the Tigers’ movement through the middle, and he follows up with another handball and tackle before Cotchin remonstrates with him (not sure, btw, how that was holding the ball against Deledio when he wasn’t at the bottom of the pack).
Haynes gives away a free to Rioli with an arm in the back. Big kick. It’s straight through and scores are level again.
Q1 06:20 remaining Richmond 2.3 (15) v GWS 3.2 (20)
Great game so far - the Giants have come to play and look classy through the middle. Inside 50s have evened up 9-9, clearances 7-6 to the Giants, and 28-20 contested possessions for the Giants. Loved Kelly’s game so far (seven disposals, four contested possessions and three clearances).
Zac Williams for four in a row for the Giants - but it’s a terrible shank.
Q1 10:19 remaining Richmond 2.3 (15) v GWS 3.1 (19)
Lots of scrutiny over the Cotchin hit on Shiel - some suggesting it would render him ineligible for the Grand Final should the Tigers win. I doubt that - the MRP makes their own rules on the run and I’m sure they wouldn’t let Cotchin miss a GF.
Thanks to Mystere_Cygne who has tweeted in to say they reckon Grimes was late and had no intent for the footy on Himmelberg. Didn’t look good in real-time, I have to say.
Speaking of Cotchin - he almost kicks an incredible captain’s goal by dancing around a multitude of Giants defenders - but it misses narrowly.
Q1 12:02 remaining Richmond 2.2 (14) v GWS 3.1 (19)
That man Shiel looks to be OK - although he’s playing forward, perhaps out of the firing line. Inside 50s are 7-4 in favour of GWS. They’ve also had plenty more possession 44-28.
Martin bursts through three GWS defenders and gets the ball to Edwards - but it’s a behind only.
Giants swarm through the middle to find captain Ward - who kicks a crucial goal from 45m out.
Q1 14:01 remaining Richmond 2.0 (12) v GWS 2.1 (13)
Giants back on song after a nervy start - Josh Kelly looking composed. What a win for them to have him re-sign. Has had a great finals series to date - and has six disposals already. Will be important for him and his teammates to start well and quiet the crowd somewhat (if possible). Giants on top in contested possessions 14-9, but behind on tackles 3-7.
Uh oh, Dylan Shiel suffers a massive knock on his troublesome shoulder thanks to a (fair) Cotchin bump. Looks in some trouble.
Updated
Q1 16:30 remaining Richmond 2.0 (12) v GWS 2.0 (12)
Somehow the Giants - never an underdog in my mind - are demanding my sympathy given how outnumbered they are. Not sure what to do with this foreign feeling.
Himmelberg takes a beauty of a contested grab in between two Tigers and that’s two goals for him within two minutes.
Updated
Q1 17:55 remaining Richmond 2.0 (12) v GWS 1.0 (6)
Giants finally get a possession - through Coniglio - who is caught holding the ball to an enormous tackle. Giants getting booed indiscriminately - any time any player gets the ball. Let’s see how long that keeps up.
OUCH Harry Himmelberg takes a courageous mark running backwards and gets cleaned up by Grimes. No 50 - lucky I reckon. Kicks a beauty of a goal - impressive composure and courage.
Updated
Q1 18:55 remaining Richmond 2.0 (12) v GWS 0.0 (0)
Dusty with the fend-off on Coniglio and Caddy finds the ball on a sharp angle inside forward 50. Kicks a brilliant Eddie Betts-style curler for two in very short succession.
Q1 19:41 remaining Richmond 1.0 (6) v GWS 0.0 (0)
First inside 50 to the Tigers after a Cotchin free and there’s a goal within 20 seconds - to Lambert via Martin.
Richmond 0.0 (0) v GWS 0.0 (0)
Toss goes to Cotchin and Tiger fans take it as a sign of things to come. Jack Riewoldt addresses his teammates while Trent Cotchin returns. “Head down” written on Riewoldt’s arm (perhaps for goalkicking?) I’m personally a fan of reminders written on the hand - mine currently says “mouse” (except, I have still got the one that doesn’t scroll - grr Apple planned obsolescence grr).
National anthem
Both teams linking arms today - nothing like the histrionics of last night’s (Adelaide’s) effort. Deafening roar follows - spine-tingling, here we go!
“Cause of all human misery”
Thanks Stephen for tweeting in - I know there’s a hell of a lot of footy supporters who feel this way:
I hope this is unbiased. I'll be able to tell if it tells the truth about GWS being evil and being the cause of all human misery.
— SBM🌈 (@BarasMiller) September 23, 2017
Here come the Tigers
“Together we stand, strong and bold” on one side of the banner, and “a fighting fury, we’re from tiger land” on the other. Classic.
Damien Hardwick is shouting at Cameron Ling over the “yellow and black” shouts of 90,000+ - has a broad smile on his face, says it’s infectious and a “glorious today to be in Melbourne”. It is a glorious day indeed - the smell of spring well and truly in the air on this sunny Melbourne day - 27 degrees currently.
Here come the Giants
Well I can’t hear “never surrender” or indeed anything else over the boos - no surprises there. Cameron Ling waits for it to subside before chatting with Leon Cameron. They in turn are drowned out by cheers as the Richmond banner goes up.
Here’s possibly the entire Giant contingent (below).
Some orange amongst a yellow and Black sea #AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/ZTlhi3dazO
— Laura McDonald (@87LauraM) September 23, 2017
Write to me
Passionate Tiger or member of the Orange Army? Don’t forget you can tweet me @kate_ohalloran or email me at kate.ohalloran.freelance@guardian.co.uk as there are (sadly) no comments on today’s blog.
The orange army
Believe it or not, there are some Giants fans at the ground - even undertaking a march through the streets prior to the game. Orange army hoping for an orange tsunami?
It doesn't get any better than this. Say what you want about the numbers, no denying the passion. Be proud @GWSGIANTS! #AFLTigersGiants pic.twitter.com/GPJbunVSZ0
— Matt Hagias (@MattHagias) September 23, 2017
The drought
The last time the Tigers played in a grand final was in 1982 - the fifth-longest Grand Final drought in history. Richmond has played 778 games since their last grand final appearance (the next longest is ironically Adelaide (1998) - at 441 games - this is compared to the Bulldogs last season who had a drought of 1213 games). Since then, the Tigers have made only 10 finals for a 3-7 win-loss ratio. The only other teams not to have made a final since 1982 are Fitzroy (now merged with Brisbane), Gold Coast and the GWS - so there’ll be history made today either way.
Huge crowds
And here’s an idea of the queues lining up at the MCG just earlier. The Tigers have already run out for their warm up - and received an almighty roar. Given how loud that was I can’t wait to hear when they run through the banner.
Hello everyone and welcome to today’s huge preliminary final between Richmond and GWS. I’m Kate O’Halloran and I’ll be here to take you through the game that will decide the final spot in this year’s Grand Final.
After last night’s boilover between the Crows and Cats, I’m hoping we might finally get another final worthy of the tight and unpredictable season we’ve had to date; although one might say that our bizarrely one-sided finals series is just typical of such an unusual season. Not too sure what kind of omen that is for today, but fingers crossed this is the exception to the rule of the 2017 finals series (apart from, of course, the epic between Port Adelaide and West Coast).
It’s hard not to see the similarities between this game an last year’s classic preliminary final between the Bulldogs and the Giants: we have the (not historically, but recently) success-starved team playing out of their skins with manic pressure and a superior will to win, against the league’s most talented list. Last year Dogs supporters welcomed the Giants onto their home ground to a groundswell of boos; this year 90,000+ Tigers will give a hostile welcome to the Giants in their own den at the home of football. It’s difficult to imagine that that won’t have an impact on the game, but I look forward to seeing how well the Giants stand up to that kind of pressure; it’s not like they’re not used to playing against the tide of public support. On the other hand, I look forward to seeing how well the inexperienced Tigers team stands up to the pressure and expectation of preliminary final week, with only Josh Caddy having played this deep into finals. Don’t think it’ll be a huge factor, though: as it stands, they haven’t blinked.
These two sides have met twice this season - in Round 18 and Round nine. In Round 18 the Tigers won by 19 points in the rain at the MCG, with a familiar name (Dustin Martin) collecting 31 disposals (including 19 contested possessions and 11 clearances). Look for Dusty to dominate again today, with his season (like the Tigers’) showing no signs of abating. Not sure there has ever been a more inevitable winner of ‘Charlie’ than he. And in Round nine, as Tigers fans will surely remember, Richmond capitulated to the Giants to lose their third game by less than a goal (Jeremy Cameron - a man who they won’t have to worry about today - was the hero with a goal in the final minute of play).
One of the biggest stories of the day is undoubtedly Brett Deledio - a former favourite son, so long success-starved at Richmond. What a cruel irony that the Tigers should finally make it to Preliminary final week - only to line up against him (just who the irony is so cruel for we shall find out). As if the game wasn’t big enough, it’s also his 250th game (after 243 in yellow and black over 12 seasons) and first outing against the Tigers after an injury-ravaged season. He hasn’t looked anywhere near his best in his return, but the stage is set for him to shine (possibly across half-back).
All eyes will also be on Steve Johnson after a six-goal haul last week. Questions remain as to whether they were kicked in ‘junk’ time or whether he’s truly back, and can inflict one more fatal finals wound in his impressive career (or whether he’ll bow out at the same time as his former teammates). For the Giants, I’m also keen to see how Toby Greene performs on the biggest stage of his career; my sense is that he will do something special. Watch also for Dylan Shiel, Stephen Coniglio, Callan Ward and Josh Kelly (who the Tigers shut down in Round 18 to great effect) to threaten in the midfield. The Giants are no.1 for clearances and no.2 for centre clearances this year (while Richmond are no.14).
For the Tigers, I’m interested in whether Nick Vlastuin can repeat his ten-intercept possession, ten-mark performance against Geelong - he forms part of the impressive lockdown defensive unit that has held teams to only 74 points a game. In the midfield, I’m backing Trent Cotchin to continue his unheralded, under-rated spectacular of a season. Look also for the Tigers’ small forwards to run riot if the Giants can’t get an appropriate match-up for Adam Tomlinson, with the Giants looking tall (perhaps too tall) in defence.
Thanks for joining me for this one as we wait to find out who will join the Crows on the biggest stage of all.
Kate will be here shortly. In the meantime, have a read of Jonathan Horn’s excellent piece on Richmond’s recent history:
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