It doesn't get much better for Richmond fans in late April - Jack Riewoldt kicks six goals in a come-from-behind win in front of a record MCG crowd to send the Tigers to a 5-0 record.
Monday night's pulsating Anzac Day eve clash against Melbourne lived up to it's blockbuster billing but it could have ended quite differently if not for Riewoldt.
The star full-forward had kicked five of his under-siege side's eight goals at one stage.
But Richmond, down by 20 points at three-quarter time, stormed home with five unanswered goals in the final term in front of 85,657 fans - the largest-ever crowd for a Richmond-Melbourne game.
"He was very good ... his goals were obviously really important," coach Damien Hardwick said.
"He didn't have his kicking boots on as much as he'd like (this season) but he did a truckload of work this week ... he probably had 400 or 500 shots at goal.
"But those that work hard get the results.
"I thought he was terrific tonight ... there was a two-on-one where he kicked a goal in the third quarter which was an important goal.
"He had a great night, which was good."
Hardwick, while delighted with the spirit of his players, admitted there was a touch of good fortune in the result with the Demons losing young forward Tim Smith and ruckman Jake Spencer before halftime.
Star midfielder Dustin Martin was under an injury cloud all week but amassed a team-high 32 possessions and kicked a crucial goal in the last quarter.
Hardwick was pleased with Martin's performance, adding he is over the worst of his groin issue.
The win set up a tantalising clash of unbeaten sides, the third-placed Tigers to face the ladder-leading Crows at Adelaide Oval on Sunday.
"I think they're by far the best side in the competition at this stage," Hardwick said.
"(But) we're not putting a ceiling on where we (can get to) - there's no doubt about that.
"The guys are playing some good footy and we can certainly play a bit better than what we did (against Melbourne)."
Share
