Richmond have farewelled triple-premiership heroes Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt in model, taking down North Melbourne by 29 factors within the retiring duo’s remaining AFL match.
With finals out of the equation for each golf equipment, Saturday’s 14.17 (101) to 10.12 (72) win turned an emotional celebration for the Tigers trustworthy, who cheered off the much-loved pair as winners on the MCG for the final time.
Some late possessions to Cotchin and a signature high-flying mark for Riewoldt drew raucous applause from the followers, who gave a number of standing ovations all through the day.
North challenged Richmond early and led by 14 factors 10 minutes into the second time period however the Tigers piled on seven targets to 1 for the rest of the quarter, taking a 22-point lead into halftime and have been by no means headed thereafter.
The class of Dustin Martin (31 disposals, three targets) and Shai Bolton (25 disposals, 4 targets) have been the distinction however the gallant Kangaroos refused to lie down, with Nick Larkey kicking three third-quarter targets and simply 9 factors separating the 2 sides on the remaining change.
But the Tigers steadied, kicking three unanswered targets within the remaining time period to cruise to a snug win.
Cotchin, who had battled a calf harm to get again for his farewell recreation completed with 18 disposals, whereas Riewoldt managed only one objective in his remaining recreation.
For the Kangaroos, former skipper Jack Ziebell was prolific in his 280th and remaining AFL recreation, profitable 23 disposals and taking an enormous hanger over Liam Baker so as to add a remaining clip to his profession highlights package deal.
Emerging midfield star Tarryn Thomas (25 disposals, two targets) stepped up within the absence of gun midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke, who was a late withdrawal as a result of a foot harm.
Thomas was elegant all through, kicking targets, establishing teammates with precision kicking and weaving his manner by means of stoppages with ease, whereas younger star Harry Sheezel had 38 disposals.
Spearhead Nick Larkey did his All-Australian choice probabilities no hurt, booting six targets to take his tally to 62 for the season.
Riewoldt finishes his profession with 787 targets to his identify, leaving him in thirteenth place on the VFL/AFL goalkicking leaderboard, simply in need of former teammate Matthew Richardson (800 targets).
Richmond will tackle Port Adelaide in Adelaide subsequent Sunday of their remaining match of 2023, whereas North Melbourne will meet Gold Coast in Tasmania on Saturday to finish their season.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
