Tigers pip Hawks at the post

Richmond   137 defeated Hawthorn   133

A fast-finishing Richmond has come from behind to record a thrilling four-point victory over a gallant Hawthorn in a high-scoring affair at the Telstra Dome this afternoon.

The Hawks had been in front all day until the 32-minute mark of the final-quarter, when the Tigers goaled through Kayne Pettifer to give the Tigers their 10th win of the season.

While a few Hawthorn fans would be shattered by the close loss, most would probably be quietly celebrating as it keeps the Hawks on five wins and in line for their second consecutive year of priority picks.

For the Tigers, Brett Deledio – the No.1 pick in the 2004 National Draft – lived up to his hype with a stunning midfield display in which he amassed 26 possessions and kicked one goal.

Veteran Matthew Richardson kicked four goals, while Ray Hall and Pettifer kicked three apiece.

For the luckless Hawks, Luke Hodge continued his recent run of form with 26 possessions and one goal which, coincidentally, was the same stats attained by fellow No.1 draft pick Deledio.

Hawks ruckman Peter “Spider” Everett pressed his case for All-Australian selection with 21 possessions and 19 hit outs.

Ben Dixon kicked five for the Hawks, while Harry Miller kicked four in an impressive display.

The first-quarter was controlled by the Hawks who, through Dixon and Miller up forward, were playing all over the Tigers.

Dixon kicked three first-quarter goals to help give the boys from Glenferrie a four-goal buffer at the first change.

The second-quarter saw more of the same as the Hawks skipped to a 31-point half-time lead, with Dixon starring with five goals to the main break.

The Hawks looked well in control in the third term, and held a match-winning 41-point lead at the 19-minute mark of the quarter.

But a sensational 10-minute burst from Richmond cut down the margin to just two goals at three-quarter-time.

Goals from Deledio, Hall, Troy Simmonds, Rory Hilton and finally Richardson – who received a free kick and goaled at the 32-minute mark – saw the Tigers go into the final term with the momentum.

Miller gave the Hawks just a little bit of breathing space when he goaled early in the final-quarter to give his side a three-goal lead.

But Richmond replied straight back with youngster Richard Tambling – the No.4 selection in the 2004 National Draft – kicking truly from a set shot to keep the Tigers within two goals.

At the 10-minute mark, Hawks prodigal son Trent Croad gathered the loose ball deep in attack and kicked a great goal to keep the Tigers momentarily at bay.

The Hawks struck a big blow when Lance Franklin drilled it from 35 metres out to give his side a handy four-goal buffer.

At the 13-minute mark, Tambling then kicked his second for the quarter to keep the Tigers in it, but it looked in vain as Hawks’ young gun Nick Ries kicked truly to maintain the buffer a few minutes later.

But the Tigers refused to die and, just like in time-on of the third-quarter, they made their move in a bid to snatch the victory.

Two quick goals to Simmonds and Kane Johnson saw the Tigers within eight-points at the 23-minute mark.

At the 27-minute mark, Tigers’ ruckman Greg Stafford marked and handballed to the running Richardson who drilled it from fifty and the Tigers were down by just a point with only minutes to go.

With seconds remaining, Deledio drilled it long to the goal square where Pettifer gathered it at ground level and kicked a goal to send the Tigers’ fans into pandemonium.

The siren sounded just after the ball-up and the Tigers had snatched the victory.

Next week the Hawks will play their final match of the season against Sydney at the MCG on Saturday, while Richmond meet Geelong at the Telstra Dome.

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