The Richmond era has officially come to an end … at least for now.
The Tigers will not play finals in 2021, with a belting at the hands of GWS on Friday night the last nail in the coffin, barring a miracle.
The Giants did it with shocking ease given the stakes, winning 16.10. (106) to 10.7. (67).
The Tigers have lost seven of their last 10 games as injuries and form compounded against the reigning premiers.
As for GWS, their efforts in the face of significant adversity have put them in a strong position to make the eight and cause a stir in September.
Despite dealing with injury issues of their own, the suspension of Toby Greene and being marooned from their state, the Giants have knocked off both of last year’s Grand Finalists in successive weeks.
Beating a battered Carlton next weekend will now assure them of a finals spot.
The Giants took complete control of the game early, kicking seven goals to two in the first quarter. Tim Taranto dominated in the middle and kicked three in the first term alone to put Richmond to the sword.
"This is wildly out of control. The Giants are doing as they please"
— AFL Nation (@AFLNation) August 13, 2021
- Gerard Whateley#AFLGiantsTigers
The margin was 50 points at half-time and the sting was well and truly out of an already lifeless Marvel Stadium.
The second half was much of a muchness with the margin not budging one way or the other until the final minute of the game. You’d struggle to find a contest duller for a non GWS supporter.
The Tigers have won three of the last four premierships and made the Prelim in that fourth year. The last time they weren’t a factor in September was 2016, which may give their more senior players a much-needed mental and physical refresh.
Club mindfulness coach Emma Murray stated as much on SEN during the week, mentioning just how long some of their players had been in the premiership grind.
The Giants now gear up to finish off Carlton’s tumultuous 2021 season, with knowledge they will get Greene back and a spot in the top eight at stake.
Richmond takes on Hawthorn, who will be playing in Alastair Clarkson’s final game as their coach.
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