1. Review the review
The MCG crowd, players and coaches were left stunned in the second term after an error with the goal review process incorrectly awarded Tiger Jason Castagna a goal momentarily. As teammate Sam Lloyd centred a ball towards the goalsquare, Castagna was tracking back towards the line with Hawks opponent Jack Gunston as the ball tumbled over the line. A review was called to confirm it had come off Gunston for a behind, before the screen announced a goal. Players instantly voiced their concern to umpires and the correct call was made before the ball was bounced in the centre.
2. Rested Tigers enjoy the prowl
Heading into the match, Richmond enjoyed an extra four-day break compared to Hawthorn from last week. It paid dividends, the Tigers getting it done late in quarters, kicking four goals more than the Hawks after the 25 minute mark in the first three terms with the game on the line. Hawthorn's masseuses were made to earn their money, players getting constant work throughout the game and at the quarter breaks.
3. Record breakers in the Melbourne sun
With the temperature pushing 30 degrees for the bounce on a perfect Melbourne day, 70,711 fans packed into the MCG, seeing the highest ever crowd between the two clubs. Just minutes before the bounce of the ball, lines outside the ground were pushing beyond the concourse with thousands missing the opening stanza. With restrictions in place outside the ground within 80 metres of the venue, the car parks around the ground were at full capacity pre-game. Having never met in a final, the previous record between the two clubs was 66,305 in round 18, 2015.
4. Mitchell's numbers continue to soar
Tom Mitchell broke the AFL record by notching up 54 disposals against Collingwood in Round 1. Last week, he found the ball a modest 40 times. He continued his 40+ trend in Round 3, finishing with a whopping 42 touches, along with eight tackles, 12 clearances, one goal and a game-high 651 metres gained. The magic of Mitchell's ball magnet abilities knows no limits.
5. Rance under scrutiny after late hit
With Hawthorn mounting the latest of surges, Tigers defender Alex Rance tried to stem the flow physically, taking out Luke Bruest in the process. Set to mark a ball in the forward 50, Breust copped a late hit from Rance as the Tiger flew to try and spoil the ball. Breust was left groggy from the hit but did play out the game. It will be reviewed by match review officer Michael Christian who will decide if Rance can suit up for next week's game against Brisbane.
