ELATION: Tom Lynch and Shane Edwards celebrate after the tall forward kicked a goal in the last minute to put the icing on the cake and help his side pull off a remarkable 42-point comeback.
RICHMOND has come from the clouds to snatch a remarkable victory out of the Brisbane Lions’ hands, as the MCG “hoodoo” continues.
In what was a pulsating contest, the Tigers completed a ridiculous turnaround to defeat the Lions by a narrow 7 points at the MCG on Sunday night.
Coming into this game, Brisbane had been unsuccessful at the MCG in its last ten attempts, dating back to 2014.
The Lions started strongly however, blowing the Tigers away with seven goals to two in a first quarter onslaught.
The Lions’ key forwards looked dangerous early, with Hipwood and Daniher combining for five goals in the first term alone.
For the Tigers, the only two majors came from impressive youngster, Noah Cumberland.
The second quarter started much as the first had as the Lions’ midfield dominated and continued to score quickly.
As Hipwood goaled at the 18th minute mark of the second term, Brisbane’s lead had ballooned out to 42 points.
The Lions were to take a six-goal advantage into half-time, as Damien Hardwick’s men had some thinking to do.
In such an important game, that would have huge implication on the Tigers’ finals hopes, you were inclined to expect a response after the main break.
As the second half commenced, both teams were dealt massive injury blows with Zac Bailey (chest) and Dylan Grimes (hamstring) being subbed out for their respective teams.
The Tigers began to look a different side to the team that presented on the MCG in the first half.
With its fast ball movement and trademark pressure shining strongly, the side chipped away at reducing a large deficit.
As Cumberland slotted his fourth inside the first minute of the third term, followed by Riewoldt’s first major of the day, the Tigers were starting to put the foot down.
Richmond began to play with unwavering spirit and relentless pressure, as the Lions stumbled, forced into uncharacteristic errors all over the ground.
This would see the margin reduced from 36 points at the half, to just two goals by three quarter time, as the Richmond fans found voice.
In Shane Edwards’ momentous 300th game, the Tigers were rising to the occasion with the inspiration of playing for a club legend, in the forefront of the player’s minds.
Brisbane steadied early in the final term as McCluggage kicked his first major, giving Brisbane some handy breathing room.
Richmond would respond quickly however, through Riewoldt and then Cumberland as he launched his fifth goal from beyond the arc, it was game on.
Daniel Rioli then put the Tigers in front for the first time, streaming through the middle of the ‘G, bringing the house down with a goal from beyond the 50.
A tense ten minutes followed, as neither team was able to capitalise on its opportunities and with just three minutes left, Cameron missed a chance from the pocket.
In yet another close game, Richmond fans watched and waited anxiously, with recent close losses eating away in their memories.
With just over a minute left, Graham launched from 50 to give his side the winner, only to hit the post.
The biggest moment of all came in the last minute of this brilliant contest as Darcy Gardiner had the ball in hand, deep in the Lions defence.
He played on and shanked the kick straight the Cotchin, the former skipper then calmly found Lynch straight in front, 20 metres from goal.
Lynch’s kick sailed through, pushing the margin to seven points with just 13 seconds left, and bringing the Richmond fans into rapture.
The Tigers held on for a famous come-from-behind victory in Shane Edwards 300th.
MILESTONE: Shane Edwards joined some elite company on Sunday night as the beloved Tiger played his 300th game in the yellow and black.
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The hard-fought victory marked a crucial win for Richmond as it remains firmly in finals contention, while Brisbane’s top four aspirations took a massive hit, as the side now sits in fifth.
For the Lions, Hipwood kicked four, Daniher kicked three, while small forwards Cam McCarthy and Charlie Cameron each kicked two.
Among the best players for Brisbane were Coleman, Neale, McCluggage and Hipwood.
For the victors, Cumberland continued his fantastic start to his career, kicking five in just his fifth game of league footy, while Tom Lynch kicked four in a great return from a hamstring injury.
Both players were among the best, with Bolton, Nankervis and Prestia also strong contributors in the win.
DYNAMIC: Richmond youngster, Noah Cumberland has had a red-hot start to his career as the creative forward scored five goals to be the difference.
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Great match roundup!