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RICHMOND 6.17 (53) def GOLD COAST 6.8 (44)
IT was one of the AFL’s oddest hoodoos, but it finally came to an end on Saturday evening.
Heading into the clash up in Cairns, Richmond was the only team in the competition not to have beaten Gold Coast. And for most of the match last night, that record continuing seemed a real possibility.
“At the end of the day, it’s been a learning experience for our footy club,” said Richmond coach Damien Hardwick after the game.
“We’ve been up here three times and every time it’s been a howling gale and wet, so you’re never going to get a good game.
“Hopefully those lessons learned over the two years previous will come to fruition at some stage and it’ll be a good learning process for us.”
In a scrappy, low-scoring affair, with just 12 goals kicked for the game Gold Coast did, however, startwith plenty of energy, kicking three goals to one in the first term. One shot from Gary Ablett, who burst from the middle moments after the game began, hit the post, and threatened to set the tone for the Tigers.
But the Tigers worked hard at keeping Ablett in check tagging him with Daniel Jackson throughout the game, limiting the Suns’ captain output and kicking two of his own goals.
Dion Prestia again led the way for the Suns with 27 touches, while Rory Thompson kept Jack Riewoldt quiet until he was taken to hospital with internal injuries after a clash with Richmond’s Matthew Arnot.
The Tigers worked their way back in front during the second quarter, kicking three goals to one to lead by six points at the long break.
Both teams had their opportunities in the second half but with the rain falling scoring became harder. The Tigers were left to rue some horrible kicking on goal, with their final tally reading 6.17 to the Suns’ 6.8.
Dustin Martin showed his class with 31 disposals, while Trent Cotchin (29), Brett Deledio (24) were also important in snapping one of the AFL’s more ignominious hoodoos.
The Suns, vastly improved this year and competitive almost every week, were left to rue their missed chances.
“We came out strong in the opening term, and really tried to make an effort to put them on the back foot early,” said the Suns Prestia.
“Unfortunately we weren’t able to make the most of our opportunities around goals, and they soon built up momentum after responding on the scoreboard.”
Richmond will face Fremantle next Sunday at the MCG in what promises to be a big game for both teams while Gold Coast will face Collingwood on Saturday at home.
Here are the match highlights:
RICHMOND 1.3 4.10 5.13 6.17 (53)
GOLD COAST 3.3 4.4 5.6 6.8 (44)
GOALS
Richmond: Jackson 2, Riewoldt, Arnot, Foley, Ellis
Gold Coast: Brown, O’Meara, McKenzie, Day, Bennell, Shaw
BEST
Richmond: Jackson, Martin, Cotchin, Ellis, Chaplin, Deledio
Gold Coast: McKenzie, Prestia, Ablett, Nicholls, O’Meara, Shaw
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Gold Coast: Rory Thompson (internal injuries)
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Aaron Edwards replaced by Shaun Grigg
Gold Coast: Rory Thompson (internal injuries) replaced by Andrew Boston
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Bannister, Pannell
Official crowd: 11,197 at Cazalys Stadium