Media articles and stats: Terrific Tigers end 37-year premiership drought

[one-eyed]

Match report: Terrific Tigers end 37-year wait

afl.com.au
30 September 2017

ADELAIDE       4.1     4.7      5.10     8.12       (60)
RICHMOND     2.3     6.4     11.8     16.12     (108)

GOALS
Adelaide: Sloane 2, Walker 2, Betts, Greenwood, B. Crouch, Cameron
Richmond: Graham 3, Townsend 2, Martin 2, Riewoldt 2, Caddy, Houli, Grigg, Lambert, Castagna, Riewoldt, Prestia, Butler

BEST
Adelaide: M. Crouch, Jacobs, B. Crouch, Sloane, Laird
Richmond: Martin, Rance, Houli, Astbury, Prestia, Edwards, Graham, GrimesINJURIES
Adelaide: Nil
Richmond: Rioli (ankle)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Stevic, Meredith, Ryan

Official crowd: 100,021 at the MCG

----------------------------------------------------------

AFTER 37 long years Richmond has finally bared its fangs on Grand Final day again, mauling a lacklustre Adelaide with the relentless pressure that has become its trademark this September to seal an inspired 48-point premiership triumph before 100,021 fans at the MCG.

The Tigers sealed their 11th flag – and first since 1980 – with a run of seven unanswered goals from early in the second quarter that had the Crows staggering on the ropes just 10 minutes into the third term.

Richmond led by 28 points at that stage, having kept the Crows goalless for a quarter and a half. And when Taylor Walker finally broke Adelaide's goal drought with a 40m set shot midway through the third term, the Tigers swiftly killed off any hopes of a Crows comeback, rattling on the next four goals to take an unassailable 45-point lead early in the final term that had even the most pessimistic Richmond fans daring to believe.

Adelaide got three late consolation goals but nothing could take the gloss off Richmond's 16.12 (108) to 8.12 (60) triumph that Tigers fans had been dreaming about – often without much genuine hope – for a football eternity.

Adelaide's star-studded forward line loomed as a potential spoiler to the Tigers' fairytale, but Damien Hardwick's men provided the latest supporting argument for the football adage that defence wins premierships.

Alex Rance (11 possessions and six marks, three contested) was outstanding despite being manned by Crows forward Andy Otten, and was clearly best on ground when the game was at its fiercest in the first half.

Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin capped off a fairytale year for himself and his club when he won the Norm Smith Medal after starring with 29 possessions, six clearances and two goals.

David Astbury kept Walker to just two goals and little of his usual influence, while Dylan Grimes and Nick Vlastuin conspired to shut down dangerous goalsneaks Eddie Betts and Charlie Cameron, and Bachar Houli (25 possessions and four rebound 50s) provided much of Richmond's defensive rebound.

The Tigers smashed the Crows in contested possessions (170-140) and won the clearances (45-39), thanks largely to the stoppage work of Martin, Dion Prestia (27 possessions and three centre clearances) and Shane Edwards (25 possessions and seven clearances).

Jack Graham was only teenager playing on Saturday but was not overawed by the occasion, kicking three goals in the opening three quarters, while Jack Riewoldt and the Tigers' army of small forwards harassed Adelaide's defenders all day as Richmond finished with 11 separate goalkickers.

Hardwick said his team's pressure was "a little bit off" in the first quarter, but improved from there.

"They were probably kicking more, so we couldn't exert that influence, but then we started to get going. We know if we play a certain way we're going to give ourselves a chance to win," Hardwick said.

"It's funny, I was speaking to Clarko on Monday night about the eeriness to the 2008 Hawks. I think in 2008 the Hawks lost to Richmond in about round 20 and played their best football thereafter.

"We lost to Geelong round (21) and then we just went whack, whack, whack, whack, whack, whack.

"We learned a lot of lessons from the games that we lost and we played our best footy when it mattered most."

The Tigers' win came on the back of a 13th-place finish in 2016 that had many calling for the coach's head.

But Hardwick kept his head and held his nerve, simplifying the Tigers' game play over the 2017 pre-season to take advantage of their pace and, after Ben Griffiths' lingering concussion issues, fashioned an unfashionable attack around 'Jack and his midgets'.

Before this season, the Tigers had not won a final since 2001, having lost elimination finals under Hardwick from 2013-15.

In defeating the Crows, Richmond continued a perfect record in return matches against teams that defeated it earlier in the season.

On Saturday, the Tigers avenged their 76-point thumping by the Crows in round six at Adelaide Oval, having earlier avenged losses to Fremantle, Greater Western Sydney, St Kilda and Geelong. Richmond did not have return matches against its round seven conquerors, the Western Bulldogs, or Sydney, who defeated it in round 13.

Crows coach Don Pyke said his team's effort simply wasn't good enough.

"One of the things that is very hard from a coaching viewpoint is to provide effort. The players are responsible for effort. We try and encourage that, we try and demand that," Pyke said.

"We tried to do some structural things, but you're trying to put a patch on what's a fair wound, and when you're talking minus 25 (in contested possessions) in the third quarter, which is why we value it as a stat, and in fairness, a stat we've been very good at all year, that's probably the most disappointing part.

"It's an area of our game that we felt coming in we were strong and we didn't deliver today."

On a nightmare day for the Crows, midfielders Matt Crouch (37 possessions and five clearances), Brad Crouch (29 and seven) and Rory Sloane (21 possessions and two goals) never stopped trying, Rory Laird (27 possessions at 88 per cent efficiency) tried to generate run from half-back, and Sam Jacobs dominated Toby Nankervis in the ruck contests, even if his midfielders could not take advantage of his tap work.

The Crows made the better start on Saturday. Sloane kicked the game's opening goal with a 40m set shot at the four-minute mark of the first term, then Betts added another a minute later when he capitalised on a Vlastuin fumble to run into an open goal.

The Tigers looked to be suffering some early Grand Final nerves and, although they had their share of the play, were struggling to get on the scoreboard, with spearhead Riewoldt kicking three consecutive behinds in less than four minutes.

Finally, at the 16-minute mark, Josh Caddy kicked their first goal and when Houli added another four minutes later the Tigers led for the first time, two points up on the Crows.

However, superb crumbing goals from Sloane and Hugh Greenwood late in the term sent Adelaide into the first break 11 points up.

The MCG's lights were switched on at the start of the second quarter as Melbourne skies clouded over, with rain starting to fall soon after.

The Crows had the first two scoring shots of the second term – behinds to Betts and Tom Lynch – but it was the Tigers' term from there.

With their tackling and chasing rising to 11 on the pressure-meter, Richmond piled on four unanswered goals, the first at the four-minute mark, when Riewoldt finally broke his duck with a 40m snap that was confirmed after a video review.

Jacob Townsend put the Tigers within two points midway through the term when he converted from 45m after a questionable holding free kick was paid against Jake Lever.

Graham and Martin then goaled in quick succession late in the quarter – Graham after a clever snap on the run, Martin following a strong mark in front of Luke Brown – to send the Tigers into half-time with a nine-point lead.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-30/match-report-terrific-tigers-end-37year-wait

[one-eyed]

How the GF was won: Black and yellow plague prevails

afl.com.au
October 1, 2017

RICHMOND won the premiership playing old-fashioned football in a clash jumper built for modern times. 

The black sash crashed and bashed and clashed its way to a flag.

Adelaide was hit with wave after wave after wave of Richmond tacklers as its players tried to move the ball. 

As a result, the normally fluent Crows became as disorientated as a dumped board rider in wild surf, their rushed handballs as hopeful as a panicked swimmer desperately gulping for air.

The Crows simply could not move the ball, kicking just one goal in the Grand Final via a defensive-half chain.

Richmond legend Francis Bourke described Richmond as a "black and yellow plague just swarming all over them."

The word Tigers coach Damien Hardwick used to describe Richmond's brand of football was "manic".

He was spot on, as he watched a unified group terrorise the opposition in the same manner he once played as a half-crazed half-back flanker in Essendon and Port Adelaide premierships.

"Our pressure in the first quarter was a little bit off. They were probably kicking more so and we couldn't exert that influence but then we started to get up and going," Hardwick said.

In the third quarter the pressure was ferocious and four key playmakers for the Crows – Brad Crouch, Rory Laird, Rory Atkins and Jake Kelly – ended the game with more handballs than kicks, a reflection of how Richmond compressed Adelaide's time and space.

"We know if we play a certain way we're going to give ourselves a chance to win," Hardwick said.

Richmond's basic plan heading into the game was simple.

The Tigers had to stop Adelaide's ability to gain territory by keeping the battle for the ball congested and forcing the football forward.

That was the responsibility Trent Cotchin took, acting as a battering ram, smashing into packs to spill balls while Dion Prestia ran forward to take handballs in space.

Richmond's dominance of contested ball meant the Tigers always had the ascendancy in general play, which made old-fashioned football inside the forward 50 possible.

The Tigers earmarked defensive forward Jacob Townsend to quell Jake Lever's marking power and wanted the small forwards to worry Laird and Atkins enough that they stopped running.

When full-forward Jack Riewoldt lunged midway through the first quarter and dragged Laird down in a tackle, he signalled the Tiger intent that would lead to Richmond winning the forward tackle count 18-8.

This was the Riewoldt his coach had dreamed of seeing when he began to tinker with his role around 2012-2013.

Richmond knew if the ball hit the ground inside 50 it had the advantage on the ground with speedsters such as Jason Castagna, Dan Butler and Daniel Rioli able to hunt a loose pill.

The Tigers won the ground balls 119-88, the season-long feature Hardwick described as "our one wood", the asset which took them to their first flag in 37 seasons.

In defence David Astbury took Taylor Walker while Nick Vlastuin and Bachar Houli rode alongside key defender Alex Rance like pillion passengers marking the ball as he kept Andy Otten and Josh Jenkins occupied.

Those four stopped Adelaide winning territory, ensuring that anytime the Crows went forward with a kick that was high and deep they marked it.

At times the football was as pretty as a dropped pie but it was effective and tough.

The Tigers even conceded the ruck, losing the hitouts 55-28, prepared to sacrifice that first touch to win the ball at ground level with an extra number.

The joker in the pack for the Tigers was Dustin Martin.

The brilliant footballer was strong in tight, winning them and wearing them early without really breaking the game apart.

But he showed his footy smarts during the second quarter, sneaking forward when Kyle Hartigan momentarily left the ground, and taking a mark when matched up on Luke Brown and kicking a goal.

For a player who has won more than 50 per cent of his one-on-one contests this season – more than any other player – it was an easy steal but it took belief in his teammates to make the move.

For the rest of the quarter Martin disrupted the Adelaide defence as the only player in the forward half of the ground, leaving a nervous Hartigan and Daniel Talia 20 metres in front of him.

He might not have had anyone near him but everyone knew where Martin was as he lurked in his area like a Tiger on a treeless plain, happy to let the Adelaide giraffes rest in peace as long as they didn't get too close.

It was fascinating to watch because his movement loosened the Crows press as they kept him within striking distance, not willing to push too far up in case the ball went over their head.

In the end, Martin had 29 disposals and kicked two goals to be best on ground. He didn't have to do that much to be the most influential player on the MCG.

"It was a finals footy game, contested ball, tackle pressure, surge the ball going forward," Hardwick said.

"As much as coaches like me think it's rocket science, the reality is it's not really."

This flag was about a group with a unified purpose executing a plan with ruthless efficiency when it mattered.

It was the Tigers of old.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-30/how-the-gf-was-won-black-and-yellow-plague-prevails

[one-eyed]

Every Tiger rated from the Grand Final

afl.com.au
30 September 2017

David Astbury – 7
Had a crucial fumble on the wing in the first term that allowed Charlie Cameron to charge forward, but settled thereafter. The tall defender spent most of his time on Adelaide skipper Taylor Walker and, for the most part, quelled his impact extremely effectively.

Nathan Broad – 6
A few nervous moments early for the young defender, however, after a few deep breaths, he too managed to find his feet. Broad didn't do anything outstanding, but his defensive efforts on Adelaide's Tom Lynch were solid.

Dan Butler – 5
His forward line pressure has been crucial to the Tigers all season and when the team lifted in the second term so did he. His chase down tackle on Rory Laird in the middle of the MCG in the second term was crucial.

Josh Caddy – 6
Important in stages in his first Grand Final, just a season after crossing from Geelong. Spent most of his time playing as a deep forward and looked dangerous in the air. Knows how to use his body and make a contest in the air when his team requires it.

Jason Castagna – 5
The young forward did not have a huge impact on the game, but a clever right foot snap goal after Dustin Martin's unselfish handball in the third quarter got the Tiger fans roaring.

Trent Cotchin – 6
Controversially avoided suspension for his big hit on Dylan Shiel that left the GWS midfielder with a concussion last week and looked at home on the big stage. The Tigers' skipper had to deal with the tag of Riley Knight all day, but he persisted and his pressure around the ball proved crucial.

Shane Edwards – 8
Provided an x-factor up forward and through the middle of the ground. Worked the angles to free up his teammates and was often seen fishing the ball out from the bottom of a pack. Had 24 touches, seven clearances and eight inside 50s to be one of the Tigers' best.

Brandon Ellis – 6
The rejuvenated Ellis has been an important cog for the Tigers in defence this season and he continued to provide run and carry on September's biggest day. Spent time on the dangerous Charlie Cameron, but got out in space on numerous occasions and hit up targets.

Jack Graham – 8
The only teenager in this year's Grand Final, Graham did not wilt under the pressure. In fact, he went the other way in just his fifth AFL game, by booting three goals as one of the heroes of the Tigers' premiership win. A huge tick for the youngster's temperament that he was one of his side's best players.

Shaun Grigg – 6
The midfielder spent time as the back-up to Nankervis in the ruck and booted Richmond's sixth goal in a row when he converted a set shot in the third term to put his side up by 22 points. Ran hard to create for his side.

Dylan Grimes – 7
Part of a stingy back six that did not allow Adelaide's forwards any breathing room whatsoever. He and Nick Vlastuin predominantly had the role of minding Betts, and they both carried it out with aplomb.

Bachar Houli – 8
The dashing defender was one of Richmond's best players, especially in the first half as his ability to break the play up with precision kicking came to the fore. Was allowed room to roam and made the most of it with 23 disposals and a goal.

Kane Lambert – 7
There was some concern about his fitness leading into the game, but the half-forward did not appear to be hampered at all. Covered the most kilometres of any player on the ground, separated the play and brought the trademark pressure he has become known for.

Dustin Martin – 9
The superstar Tiger had 14 touches in the first half and his power to escape the clutches of Crow opponents was on full display. The Norm Smith medallist lifted to a new level in the second half, bringing his teammates into the game with a number of unselfish pieces of play. Capped off his performance with a brilliant goal across his body in the final term.

Kamdyn McIntosh – 4
Ran hard to link up through the middle of the ground, covering the fifth most amount of kilometres of any player on the ground. Did not have a lot of the footy, but kept his width on the wing and did what was asked of him.

Toby Nankervis – 4
The undersized big man was being nudged off the footy too easily early in the game, but to his credit he fought back to at least create a contest against Adelaide big man Sam Jacobs. Got smashed in the hit-outs, but Richmond won the clearances and that area of the ground was important in the final result.

Dion Prestia – 8
The club's star off-season recruit was instrumental in the Tigers' victory. Only Dustin Martin had more disposals than the former Suns player and Prestia stood firm even when Adelaide got on top early in the game. Finished with 25 disposals (11 contested) and a clever goal that got Tigers fans out of their seats in the final term.

Alex Rance – 9
Further enhanced his reputation on the biggest stage and quite rightly deserves the mantle as one of, if not, the greatest defenders of the modern era. Towelled up Andy Otten who had the responsibility as a defensive forward and was impassable down back. Had just 11 disposals, but 10 intercept possessions were testament to his ability to interrupt play down back.

Jack Riewoldt – 7
The spearhead forward has played a more selfless role in 2017, but on Saturday he had moments where he displayed his individual class. Riewoldt took three huge pack marks throughout the day and constantly presented to provide a target. Kicked three behinds in the first quarter, but added two majors to be an important player.

Daniel Rioli – 5
Was the match-winner with four goals in the preliminary final last week and continued his strong form in the Grand Final. The words run and chase were visible on his wrist tape and he embodied those two elements. Pressure king. Ended the day on the bench with an injury, but that shouldn't sour the premiership win too much.

Jacob Townsend – 7
One of the individual stories of the season, Townsend was vital for the Tigers in just his fifth match for the year. The VFL's best and fairest player turned the tide of the game with a ruthless tackle on Matt Crouch in the second term and rose to the occasion with a pressure-moment set-shot goal moments later to bring his side back into the contest. Ended his day with two goals and five tackles – exactly what the coach was after.

Nick Vlastuin – 5
Had a number of uncharacteristic shaky moments early in the contest, but bounced back and played better the longer the game went. The solid defender had time on Eddie Betts and kept him under check. Had 15 disposals and six rebound 50s.


THE COACH
Damien Hardwick – 9
What a story for the AFL Coaches' Association coach of the year. Took his team from 13th on the ladder in 2016, where his coaching credentials were being questioned, to a premiership a year later. Made some changes to the game style over pre-season, which centred around applying pressure up forward. Backed his young players in and got the ultimate reward.

http://www.afl.com.au/news/2017-09-30/every-tiger-rated-from-the-grand-final

[mat073]

https://thewest.com.au/sport/afl/afl-grand-final-richmonds-frenzied-path-to-glory-started-with-fremantle-thumping-culminated-in-crow-cull-ng-b88615945z

Good read from my local rag .

[Andyy]

Some BS player ratings. Nank 4 my ass. Guy lifted big time and took some huge grabs down back. Mac did his role, some big tackles etc.

Honestly not a single player failed their role or let their mates down...

[georgies31]

Totally agree some crap ratings there  .

[tony_montana]

ridiculous - do these guys actually watch the game or have a quick browse of the stats sheet the day after bc they were boozing it up with their AFL media accreditation - "umm, nank got pantsed in the hitouts so mustve had a bad game duh" "I remember the start of the match where Vlastuin fumbled in the goal square"

morons

[one-eyed]

AFL Grand Final player rankings: Jon Ralph ranks Richmond and Adelaide stars from 1-44

Jon Ralph
Herald Sun
2 October 2017

JON Ralph ranked every Richmond and Adelaide player selected in the Grand Final from 1-44 a day before the big dance.

Here’s how his revised list now looks after the Tigers flogged the Crows in the decider on Saturday.

1. Dustin Martin (Richmond)

Replaced his usual polish with raw power and Grand Final grunt. 22 of his 29 possessions in the contest, two defining goals, the direct assists to Houli and Castagna ... and the perfect note to finish his perfect year.

2. Alex Rance (Richmond)

A dozen one-percenters, a million moments of calm where Adelaide’s players lost their head. Annihilated Josh Jenkins then when they sent Andy Otten to him, he trounced him too.

In my book, he is the greatest defender of the modern era ... and maybe ever. Won 6 of his 11 one-on-one contests. 5 intercept marks. Staggering.

3. Bachar Houli (Richmond)

Could so easily have got the Norm Smith from James Hird, the man he had to call to tell him he was leaving Essendon.

A faultless Grand Final. Boundless run — 665 metres gained — two clutch goals, intercept marks, poise in defence. Scintillating.

4. Jack Graham (Richmond)

Offensive firepower with three goals that turned the contest and kept Rory Sloane to four second-half touches. What more can we say? And the recruiters said he lacked workrate.

5. Shane Edwards (Richmond)

So clean. Led the game for clearances, inside 50s, score involvements. Due reward after an underrated season.

6. Matt Crouch (Adelaide)

Four quarters of grunt. Didn’t always hit targets (eight kicks were ineffective or clangers) but set up two early shots, midfield rout wasn’t his fault.

7. Dion Prestia (Richmond)

The consummate Grand Final game. Racked it up, hit targets, kicked a big goal, did the tough stuff, won five clearances. His move from Gold Coast vindicated.

8. Dylan Grimes (Richmond)

Worked over Eddie Betts for four whole quarters, Betts’ single goal due to a Vlastuin fumble. Might be the league’s most underrated player.

9. Rory Laird (Adelaide)

Exploded from the blocks with 19 first-half touches as Jason Castagna battled to contain him. Quieter second half but head held high in All Australian year.

10. Toby Nankervis (Richmond)

Helped lay a platform for midfield dominance — the Tigers monstered Adelaide with 30 more contested possessions — and four huge grabs as he turned the second-half tide.

11. David Astbury (Richmond)

A third member of the Tigers back six in the top 11 players, unflinching against Taylor Walker, whose only goals were in junk time. Cut off the head of the snake.

12. Brad Crouch (Adelaide)

Cleaner than his brother and an equal game-high seven clearances, with 17 of his 28 touches in the contest to boot. The Crouch boys just didn’t have any willing accomplices.

13. Trent Cotchin (Richmond)

Watch the replay and you will see Cotchin at the bottom of every pack, in the thick of everything. Swapped big stats for real impact this finals series. Still 6 clearances despite Riley’s Knight’s attention.

14. Jack Riewoldt (Richmond)

Under-rated game. The early misses could have hurt him but instead he turned the game’s momentum with his early snap then sealed it with the first goal of the last term. Two big hangers, a team-lifting chase-down tackle. Killed it.

15. Sam Jacobs (Adelaide)

Post-match tactical recriminations will centre on why the Crows couldn’t feast on his dominance. Set up two early stoppage goals, 49 hit-outs, strong marks in defence. Great GF contest.

16. Kane Lambert (Richmond)

Exceptional day at half forward and midfield with seven inside 50s, a snapped goal-square major in the Tigers charge, a back-with-the-flight mark that set up Riewoldt’s sealer. Stunning state league story.

17. Rory Sloane (Adelaide)

The story of his year. Electric early (two goals, 17 touches, Normie in his pocket at half time) then paralysed by a Jack Graham tag. Four second-half touches.

18. Nathan Broad (Richmond)

The tradie from the WAFL pulled the plug on the connector Tom Lynch, another low-profile Dimma discipline to nail his task. Held up on big stage.

19. Richard Douglas (Adelaide)

Good blend of inside grunt — eight tackles — and outside run with eight inside 50s. But another Crow buried in the Tiger midfield avalanche.

20. Nick Vlastuin (Richmond)

The new People’s Beard rebounded from a horror early moment — gifting Eddie Betts an early goal — to come up big in defence. The Game of Thrones lookalike is the perfect man for GF combat.

21. Jacob Townsend (Richmond)

From the scrapheap to the penthouse. Fulfilled his role to perfection. The strike-rate king, with another two goals from just four kicks. Tried hard to stop Jake Lever’s intercept game.

22. Shaun Grigg (Richmond)

Richmond’s potential weak link was its lack of a back-up ruck and yet 190cm Grigg battled hard to ensure that never happened. Another rock-solid five-clearance, 17 possession-game.

23. Jake Lever (Adelaide)

Townsend kicked two goals on him but the departing Crow was still exceptional in the air early. $4.5 million at the Dees over five years will ease the parting blow.

24. Luke Brown (Adelaide)

Dusty did him in the air for a big goal — no disgrace — but totally blanketed Dan Rioli. Another great game from one of the AFL’s best small stoppers.

35. Jake Kelly (Adelaide)

Far from disgraced with some offensive drive — 20 possessions — as well as keeping an array of dangerous forwards to just two goals through Caddy and Castagna.

26. Daniel Talia (Adelaide)

Riewoldt eventually won the battle but still a solid outing for the miserly Crows defender.

27. Riley Knight (Adelaide)

To keep the AFL’s best finals player this month to 15 possessions at three quarter time was a quiet triumph. Only nine touches but still a solid outing.

28. Charlie Cameron (Adelaide)

Plenty of offensive drive early and 13 contested possessions belying his slender frame. Was it his last game in Adelaide colours?

29. Josh Caddy (Richmond)

Strong in the air in a Tigers forward line that needed him to stand tall (five marks, two contested). A handy early goal capped a worthy 21-goal season.

30. Dan Butler (Richmond)

What a season. A Round 1 AFL debut culminates in a flag. Harassed, kicked a late checkside goal that saw Peggy O’Neal in tears, fulfilled Dimma’s orders to perfection.

31. Jason Castagna (Richmond)

Hung in there all finals series despite some shaky moments. Not too many of his 10 possessions hit the target but “pressure points” is the new black.

32. Kyle Hartigan (Adelaide)

Another strong day out blanketing Richmond’s talls including Josh Caddy and Dustin Martin. Took a big step this year as a close-checking defender, with big roles ahead now Lever will depart.

33. Rory Atkins (Adelaide)

Broke even with Kamdyn McIntosh and Shane Edwards, a solid contributor rather than the game-breaker he might have hoped. 17 possessions.

34. Brandon Ellis (Richmond)

One of his quieter games for the year, a 14-possession effort on players including Charlie Cameron. Still a perfect way to seal a breakout year.

35. Tom Lynch (Adelaide)

Stats OK but zero game-breaking impact. Didn’t hit the scoreboard, prevented from usual heroics in his connector role by Nathan Broad. A poor day out.

36. Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond)

Prevented the Adelaide wingers from explosive impact but none himself. Just nine touches for the wingman from Pinjarra.

37. Daniel Rioli (Richmond)

Plenty of pressure and a key role in the sealing goal but Luke Brown had the better of him. Suffered a serious ankle injury late.

38. David McKay (Adelaide)

What an unenviable role playing on small forwards like Butler and Castagna but at least did it without conceding a goal.

39. Hugh Greenwood (Adelaide)

Electric first term with seven possessions and a goal then ended up with only 13 possessions for the day and a recurrent calf injury. A mistake to play him in hindsight.

40. Paul Seedsman

The fairytale turned sour. Shane Edwards got on top of him and his match-up with McIntosh was a nil-all draw.

41. Taylor Walker

Might be harsh given he kicked two late goals, but this was a stage for a mighty leader to at least exert physical domination over Richmond. That was non-existent.

The ball flow wasn’t great but with 49 inside 50s there were no excuses for Adelaide’s captain. A long summer ahead.

42. Eddie Betts

Came into the game with a great finals record, finished it missing in action. Gifted an early goal by a Vlastuin fumble then largely unsighted. Grimes crushed him.

43. Andy Otten

Couldn’t get into the game, couldn’t hit the scoreboard, couldn’t stop Alex Rance when sent to tag him. A nightmare finish to a great year.

44. Josh Jenkins

Inept. A horror show of a day. Boasted of Adelaide’s flag hopes to his mate Patrick Dangerfield then had just seven possessions and a behind. Just a single effective kick.

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/afl/teams/richmond/ralphys-rankings-every-afl-grand-final-player-ranked-from-144/news-story/3965e7d5d6fadc2581d7e2804377b95f