Sam Lloyd could hardly do more to crack Richmond's AFL qualifying final team to play Geelong on Friday night.
The hard-running goalsneak was again among the Tigers' best on Saturday in the reserves, helping to steady the ship and send Richmond into a VFL semi-final.
Richmond led by four goals late in the fourth term, but shipped late majors to trail by a point in time-on.
Lloyd put the Tigers back in front with a match-winning goal from one of his 33 disposals at Port Melbourne.
A fortnight ago, the 27-year-old had 50 disposals and kicked four in Richmond's VFL win over Sandringham.
He told the Seven Network he was delighted to end a run of four behinds in front of goal at the right time.
"I kicked the last one when it mattered and it is a good feeling to go through," he said.
"Credit to us. We are a strong team. We came out well."
Lloyd was last seen in the Tigers' seniors in round 19, totalling eight AFL matches this year.
Anthony Miles was another to press claims, tallying 35 touches and a goal.
In Saturday's other VFL final, Williamstown defeated Casey by 35 points to go through to a preliminary final.
In the NEAFL, Sydney will play Brisbane in the grand final after wins to both sides in Saturday's preliminary finals.
Big man Sam Naismith (40 hitouts, seven clearances) was among the Swans' best in their 68-point win over Gold Coast in Blacktown.
James Rose kicked four goals, while Dan Robinson and Harry Cunningham stood out in midfield to give seniors coach John Longmire something to think about ahead of Saturday's AFL elimination final with Essendon.
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