Tigers getting tight AFL finishes right

After dominating the game and taking a game-high lead at the MCG, Richmond conceded the first goal of the last quarter. And then the second.

Sound familiar?

But this time, to their long-suffering fans’ immense relief, the Tigers prevailed.

Proving they are learning from this season’s heartaches, Richmond held on for a vital 19-point AFL win over GWS.

The 9.10 (64) to 6.9 (45) win in sodden conditions returned the Tigers to the top four and means the Giants have won just once in their last six matches.

Richmond have lost four games this season by nine points or less.

In round nine, the Giants kicked five goals to nil in the last quarter to beat them by three points.

Coach Damien Hardwick had said during the week they owed the Giants for that one.

He added post-match that they spoke on Saturday about this season’s brutal lessons.

“It’s like some of those scars you get, you come back stronger,” Hardwick said.

“I think that’s what we’ve learned.

“Sometimes as disappointing as it is, the lessons you learn are often best when you’re at your worst.”

While GWS pressed in the last quarter and reduced the margin from 27 points to 14, the Tigers held their nerve.

Eventually, Jason Castagna snapped a goal on the run with three minutes left and the Giants’ challenge was broken.

The Giants were mauled in the first term at the clearances to take a 20-point lead.

Alex Rance was marshalling their backline superbly, but then gave away a silly free kick which gave Steve Johnson an easy shot on goal close to quarter-time.

Then Toby Greene was even more stupid, running in and jabbing Rance to the face.

Not only does it mean another likely suspension for Greene, but the free was reversed.

The Giants did not kick another goal until midway through the third quarter, by which time Richmond had kicked six and taken the game away from them.

Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Rance led the way for the Tigers, while co-captains Callan Ward and Phil Davis were best for GWS.

Dylan Shiel again hurt his right shoulder in the last quarter and could not play out the game for the Giants.

While GWS remain third, they have not won in Melbourne this season and are 1-11 at the MCG.

“There’s an element of ball use and doing the right thing at the right time, no doubt, but there’s also an element of just knuckling down and fighting your way through it,” said Giants coach Leon Cameron.

“There are a number of elements in our game that we have to fight through and think our way through when things aren’t going our way.”

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