Top-four Tigers don't have to rely only on the 'Big Four' in SeptemberThere was a time when stopping Trent Cotchin, Dustin Martin, Alex Rance and Jack Riewoldt left the Tigers toothless, but not anymore - and that's why Richmond fans should attend finals in their droves in anticipation of a first September victory since 2001.
In a danger game against Fremantle on Sunday afternoon, Richmond was immediately on the back foot against a rampant Dockers outfit intent on sending off Domain Stadium in style. Between them, the 'Big Four' had just 13 possessions, and the Tigers of old might have folded. However, Brandon Ellis (12) and unlikely goalkicker Jacob Townsend (two) kept the Tiges in touch, trailing by only four points at quarter-time.
Then in a stunning eight-goal blitzkrieg in the second term, it was Shaun Grigg (13 disposals) and Kane Lambert (three goals) who exploded, with fleet-footed small forward Dan Butler, Shane Edwards and Kamdyn McIntosh also hitting the scoreboard, while David Astbury was rock-solid in defence. Martin and Cotchin lifted, Rance was solid and Riewoldt did some handy team things despite only having three touches for the half, but it was Richmond's lesser lights who led the charge.
They are some of the players Damien Hardwick needs to shine in September if he is to notch his first finals win.
- Travis Kinghttp://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-08-20/nine-things-we-learned-from-round-22
