Tigers roar home against the Dees
On Anzac Day Eve, a 70,071 strong crowd at the MCG saw Richmond establish itself as the team to beat with an impressive 46-point win over Melbourne.
Under the darkness of the Melbourne sky on Anzac Day Eve, players, coaches and fans came together as one to remember and pay their respects to those that had fallen fighting for our country.
Lights held by fans all around the ground lit up the MCG, as the Tigers and the Demons came together as one to play for more than just four points.
On a day for reflection and respect, the images captured were mind blowing. Children, teenagers, adults and former and current soldiers, all silent, with heads bowed.
Source: Richmond Football Club
With the cauldron lit, the Anzac observance was read and the Last Post rang out around the silent MCG. The national anthem was sung, and the crowd erupted into a state of euphoria.
The game was hot early; however, in the end Richmond staked its claim as the best team in the competition, as they kicked seven goals to three in the last quarter to record a 8.8 (56) to 15.12 (102) win on Anzac Day Eve.
After coming off a deplorable 67 point loss to Hawthorn in round four, footy experts expected a tougher display from Melbourne. This they certainly got, but Richmond continued on its merry way after smashing Brisbane by 93 points last week to go to the top of the ladder at 4-1.
The first half was a tight battle, low scoring and very contested. Pressure was high, mistakes were imminent and neither side could grab control of the game.
Source: Richmond Football Club
Jack Higgins was the excitement machine of the first two quarters, kicking three of Richmond’s five goals up to the main break. Melbourne’s captain Nathan Jones was a bully in the middle of the ground, but the Demons could not apply any scoreboard pressure, kicking 2.6 to half time.
The third quarter was a mirror image of the first half. Both teams had exciting runs of play, but neither could create constant opportunities and make the most of them. Kicking efficiency was down around the 50% mark while tackles and turnovers were right up.
Still the Tigers found themselves up 57-38, which only grew in the final term. They put on the afterburners and proved why they are the best side in the competition at the moment, kicking seven goals to three to blow the lead out to 46 points.
Kane Lambert was superb for the boys in the yellow and black, gathering 29 disposals and snagging two goals, along with Bachar Houli who provided plenty of run off half back with 26 disposals and 6 rebound 50s.
Nathan Jones was best for Melbourne, accumulating 30 disposals, 16 of those contested, while Jake Melksham was prolific down forward kicking four goals.
In a great round to pay respects and play for more than just winning and losing, the crowd and fans at home were treated to a hotly contested game that has and will continue to be a great tradition on the AFL calendar.
Source: Richmond Football Club
Richmond will now face Collingwood at the MCG this Sunday while Melbourne face the struggling Essendon at Etihad Stadium.