VFL Tigers fight and win over BombersRichmond kicked the final five goals to come from behind and defeat Essendon in the VFL curtain-raiser match on the MCG.
By Richmond Media
20 May 2023ESS 5.0 7.4 10.7 12.10 (82)
RICH 3.4 5.7 7.9 12.12 (84)
Goal Kickers:
Richmond: Cumberland (4), White, Olden, Nyuon, Miller, Johnson, Faimalo, Bradtke, Banks
Best Players: Cumberland, Banks, Trezise, Miller, White, Sonsie
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The Dreamtime at the ‘G curtain-raiser ended in dramatic scenes, with Richmond clawing its way back from five goals down in the final 12 minutes to secure a near heart-stopping two-point win.
For the second week in a row, the Tigers’ fate hung on a kick after the siren, this week however they were two points to the good, as players, coaches, staff and fans rejoiced, final scores reading 12.12 (84) to 12.10 (82).
Noah Cumberland got the ball rolling in the blink of an eye with a strong contested mark and goal, and then set-up Bigoa Nyuon on the paint of 50 moments later.
Cumberland stripped the ball from congestion on the Southern Stand wing, swung onto his left and pierced the ball into the corridor to find Nyuon.
The Tigers' No.47 steeled himself and sent a right-foot kick goalward with the goal umpire arching his back as it sailed over his hat.
The Tigers’ sharpshooter, Cumberland won the Sir Doug Nicholls Award for best afield after kicking two vital goals in the final term to help his side across the line.
Harrison White joined in the goal festivities, showcasing his class with a right-foot goal from the right forward pocket.
Essendon matched the Tigers goal-for-goal, with six majors kicked collectively in the opening 13 minutes.
The Bombers were unerring in front of goal, slotting five goals straight for the quarter to the Tigers’ 3.4.
The host’s precision continued into the second term as they kicked their sixth goal to open up a game-high lead.
Cumberland slotted Richmond’s first goal in nearly a quarter, courtesy of a 50-metre penalty.
The dynamic and enigmatic forward was involved once again, as the Tigers overwhelmed the Bombers at half forward, the ball ending up with Cumberland, who showed great poise and vision to find Austin Johnson on the open side.
Johnson gathered and goaled as quick as a flash, clawing the margin back to under a goal.
By the time the half-time siren sounded, Richmond had more scoring shots (12), but trailed the Bombers by nine points.
Essendon struck first in the second half which sprung the Tigers into action.
Richmond’s opening goal for the term came via the right boot of Cam Olden.
The Tigers’ defensive intent in the contest couldn’t be questioned, however Essendon’s ability to transition the ball from its back-half and win contests ahead of the ball was causing trouble.
The game was slipping from Richmond’s grasp before Kaelan Bradtke hit-up at the ball carrier, marked on his chest, wheeled around onto his right and set sail for home.
The ball swung home on the breeze, injecting some life into the Tigers.
Both teams had chances to add to its goal tally late in the third term, however neither could capitalise.
The Bombers extended their lead out to five goals early in the last quarter before Sam Banks sparked the Tigers.
Banks was unflinching in the air, had multiple shots on goal in a short space of time, his final one sneaking through for a major.
Cumberland then read the fall of the ball to perfection, clutching onto a mark and then pumped his fist in defiance after slotting his third goal.
Misilifi Faimalo’s manic pressure was a standout all day, however his most important moment came at 23:40 in the final term as his goal edged the Tigers closer.
Cumberland took the advantage from a free kick close to goal and slotted his fourth as Richmond’s pulse began to spike.
Richmond’s heart was then palpitating when Ben Miller breached the 50-metre arc and kicked the go-ahead goal.
In a tense final two minutes, the Bombers were awarded a free-kick at the junction of the boundary and 50-metre lines with two seconds remaining.
Essendon’s shot clattered into the behind post, not registering a score.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1334852/vfl-tigers-fight-and-win-over-bombers
