A mixed seven objectives from Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin have helped Richmond ignite their AFL season with a 24-point upset win over Geelong.
The Tigers booted six majors of their greatest opening quarter of the 12 months and held the Cats at bay to put up a 16.6 (102) to 11.12 (78) victory on the MCG on Friday evening.
Richmond (3-1-5) have now gained consecutive video games for the primary time in 2023 after ending a five-match shedding streak in spherical eight.
But the most recent triumph got here at a price, with midfielder Jacob Hopper substituted out of the sport with a left calf muscle damage in the course of the third quarter.
Cotchin returned after every week out of the Tigers’ aspect and kicked three objectives in his greatest tally in seven years, providing an vital contribution at half-forward.
Martin booted 4 from 19 touches and Tim Taranto starred once more with game-high tallies of 28 disposals, 12 tackles and 6 clearances.
Jayden Short (26 touches), Liam Baker (21) and Daniel Rioli (23) have been all busy, whereas Dion Prestia celebrated his two hundredth sport in type with 19 disposals and a objective.
Jack Riewoldt and Rhyan Mansell booted two every.
Tom Stewart was jeered by a contingent of Tigers followers within the 58,141-strong crowd nonetheless indignant in regards to the Geelong star flattening Dion Prestia in an unsightly incident 11 months in the past.
The Cats’ stand-in captain stepped up within the absence of injured skipper Patrick Dangerfield and had 24 disposals in a stable show.
But Geelong lacked spark, with Dangerfield one among eight premiership gamers lacking via damage or suspension, and suffered their first defeat since spherical three.
Tom Hawkins kicked three objectives from 11 disposals and had two objective assists in a tricky battle with Richmond defender Noah Balta (17 touches, 11 intercepts).
Isaac Smith had 23 disposals and kicked a superb second-quarter objective on the boundary line.
Richmond fielded extra premiership gamers than Geelong – 15 to 14 – regardless of their most up-to-date flag coming three years in the past.
Friday evening’s outcome was the Tigers’ first win over the Cats because the 2020 grand ultimate.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
