Tigers down Sandringham with goal after the siren in comeback victoryBy Zakariya El-Houli
Richmond Media
29 March 2025Trailing by 23 points at three-quarter-time, Richmond VFL stormed home to defeat Sandringham by six points with a goal after the siren kicked by Joel Garner on Saturday afternoon at RSEA Park, 11.8 (74) to 11.14 (80).
With just two points separating the two sides at half time, the Zebras added six goals in the third quarter to establish a commanding lead heading into the final term.
Lachlan Wilson (24 disposals, five marks, eight tackles and four clearances) hit the scoreboard within the first minute of the final term to provide a spark for his side.
Three more Tiger majors followed in the quarter, including the all-important match-winning goal kicked by Joel Garner, the side’s stand-in skipper as the strong-finishing Tigers overcame a 23-point three-quarter-time deficit to record their second consecutive win.
Livewire forward Mohammad Yassine kicked two goals in the opening term, and Jasper Alger was potent, also converting two majors on Saturday afternoon.
Continuing on his strong early-season form was Kane McAuliffe.
He notched up 25 disposals, three marks, eight tackles and eight clearances.
Also strong in the midfield was Massimo Raso once again with 24 disposals, three marks and eight clearances.
Mutaz El Nour (19 disposals, two marks and three tackles), Tom McCarthy (23 disposals, five marks and two tackles) and Nicholas Collier (17 disposals, on embark and two tackles) were strong in the defensive half for the Tigers, while Tom McKenzie was strong on debut, collecting 19 disposals and four clearances.
Also exceptional in defence was Campbell Gray (12 disposals, three marks and four tackles).
“Two weeks in a row now he’s come back and he’s risen to the occasion,” coach Jake Batchelor said of Gray post-match.
“We needed someone to stand up and be the man in the backline along with Joel (Garner) and his ability to come forward in a fearless manner was so strong, so really pleased with him.”
Richmond VFL will look ahead to their Round 3 clash with Brisbane at the Swinburne Centre on Saturday, April 5 from 11:05am.
Sandringham 4.0 5.4 11.8 11.8 (74)
Richmond 3.3 5.6 7.9 11.14 (80)
Goals: Yassine (2), Alger (2), Sims, Garner, Wilson, Moimoi, Rioli, Ryan, Gray
Best: McAuliffe, Wilson, Raso, Garner, McCarthy, Gray, El Nour
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1742868/tigers-down-sandringham-with-goal-after-the-siren-in-comeback-victory
