Richmond have overcome kicking and disciplinary woes to snatch a nine-point win over Greater Western Sydney at the MCG.
In a low-scoring but high tension clash, time and again the Tigers looked to have kicked themselves out of the contest, only to triumph with a fourth-quarter surge.
Trailing by 15 points at three-quarter time, Shane Edwards’ two goals were priceless as the Tigers won 10.18 (78) to 10.9 (69).
Impressive forward Jack Riewoldt started the fourth quarter comeback with a 50 metre bomb and midfield warrior Edwards sealed it with a mark and finish inside the final minute.
In between were moments of high drama as both the Tigers and Giants threatened to win it.
Jeremy Cameron momentarily stopped the GWS dam from bursting, responding with a fine snap goal.
But Edwards’ stunning solo clearance and goal from the restart followed by a nice captain’s effort from Trent Cotchin tied the scores and allowed Richmond to run over the top of the gallant Giants.
Heavily favoured to beat GWS on a wet MCG, the Tigers were a shadow of the side that stunned Sydney at the SCG last weekend.
Worse still, Cotchin and influential ruckman Ivan Maric will face match review panel scrutiny after being reported for high hits.
With Richmond barely threatening the scorers early, Cotchin’s late attempted spoil caught the head of Zac Williams and sparked a mass melee.
More than 20 players were drawn in to remonstrate the Tiger skipper’s reckless act, which saw him reported and also drew a 50 metre penalty.
Williams missed his shot for goal in front of the Richmond cheer squad, letting the Tigers off the hook.
Leon Cameron’s side laid an astonishing 29 first-quarter tackles but couldn’t kick clear in the weather.
GWS took a five-point lead into the main break after Cameron and Adam Treloar kicked their first goals.
In the third term, the Giants broke clear of the weather and through Rhys Palmer (3.0), raced to the game’s biggest lead of 15 points.
Maric lashed out at young midfielder Jack Steele at a rucking contest to find his name in the umpire’s book.
But in the final term, Richmond were able to break free of the GWS shackles and continue their mid-season surge.
