Search

show me:

Tigers sink Port in AFL thriller

3 minute read

The Richmond Tigers have secured a seven-point victory over Port Adelaide in a nail-biter at Adelaide Oval.

TOM LYNCH of the suns celebrates a goal during the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Geelong Cats at MS in Gold Coast, Australia.
TOM LYNCH of the suns celebrates a goal during the AFL match between the Gold Coast Suns and the Geelong Cats at MS in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Jason O'Brien/AFL Media/Getty Images

Star Richmond recruit Tom Lynch has kicked six goals to sink Port Adelaide in a thrilling seven-point AFL win.

Lynch led a Tigers side missing their 'Big Four' - Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance and skipper Trent Cotchin - to a nailbiting 15.9. (99) to 14.8. (92) victory at Adelaide Oval.

After Port controlled the first quarter, Richmond upped their pressure and found their pace in the second to come within two points at half time.

Both teams kicked two goals from free kicks in the third quarter but a double goal from Lynch swung the momentum Richmond's way thanks to a free paid against Ryan Burton.

The Tigers hit the lead and quick goals from Lynch and Liam Baker put Port on the back foot.

The lead changed hands four times during a tense high-scoring last quarter, with Power rookie Xavier Duursma unable to convert a shot from close range shortly before the siren.

Port Adelaide midfielders Tom Rockliff (38 disposals), Travis Boak (33 disposals) and Brad Ebert (23 disposals, two goals) were stand-outs.

But Richmond's youngsters stepped up when it counted, first-gamer Jack Ross particularly impressive with 25 disposals.

Brandon Ellis (28 disposals, one goal), Dion Prestia (20 disposals, one goal) and Dylan Grimes (17 disposals) were among others to impress for the Tigers.

The win was critical for the 2017 premiers, who now sit 2-2 after a disappointing start to the season.

Coach Damien Hardwick said his side had worked hard without reward during the past few weeks.

"We can see our work rate and our intent and effort was there, we just weren't clean enough at various stages," he said after the game.

"But tonight we saw that continue and it was more of a Richmond-like performance, which was pleasing for us."

After winning the first two games of the season, the result and last week's 17-point defeat to Brisbane also put the Power 2-2.

Coach Ken Hinkley said his side gave too much away, particularly in the crucial dying minutes.

He said Port was beaten by Richmond's ability to executive their own style of play.

"There's still plenty of work for us to do and we've got a long way to go to become anything like the Richmond Football Club," he said.

"We didn't play the way we wanted to play. Richmond certainly played their way of playing, so that's a good lesson for us."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au