SNAPSHOT OF THE RICHMOND-HAWTHORN AFL QUALIFYING FINAL:
* Result: Richmond 13.17 (95) bt Hawthorn 9.10 (64) at MCG.
* Key moment: Dustin Martin stole the spotlight in his 200th AFL game, booting a miracle goal late in the second quarter. Running towards the boundary at full speed, the Tigers superstar received a handball and found the composure to kick a drop punt from the tightest of angles to extend the Tigers' lead.
* Key quote: "I don't mean to be too unflattering but you guys are like a bunch of sheep. If someone brings up the fact that Clarkson's going to tactically have an impact on this game, they haven't watched the way I've coached for 14 years." - Hawthorn coach Alastair Clarkson bristled at the pre-game talk of tactical surprises, labelling himself a "system-based" coach.
* Key stats: Kamdyn McIntosh booted a career-high and equal game-high three goals. The intensity of the contest was highlighted by the two sides racking up a whopping 94 tackles between them in the first half alone.
* Tribunal watch: Plenty of spotfires but nothing that should overly concern either team. Jaeger O'Meara forced Nick Vlastuin's own fist into his face in the first quarter and Tigers star Alex Rance later appeared to scrape Paul Puopolo's eyes while pinned with an arm across his throat. Trent Cotchin could be fined for an inadvertent late hit on Shaun Burgoyne.
* Injuries: Ben Stratton (Hawks, hamstring), Ryan Schoenmakers (Hawks, Achilles), Alex Rance (Tigers, foot soreness).
* What's next?: Richmond can enjoy another week off before returning to the MCG for a preliminary final, having won 22 straight games at their home fortress. Hawthorn face a sudden-death home semi-final against the winner of Friday night's elimination final between Melbourne and Geelong.
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