Tigers close in on top four finish
With one of their best showings of the year against Hawthorn on Sunday, Richmond have taken another step towards locking in a top four position. The Tigers now find themselves two premiership points ahead of Geelong in fourth spot and two wins ahead of fifth-placed Port Adelaide.
One of the in-form sides in the competition, Richmond have now won six of their past seven games. A blockbuster Saturday afternoon encounter with Geelong at Simmonds Stadium awaits next week for the Tigers, with a win all-but guaranteeing them a top four finish.
Hawks’ finals chances all but extinguished
Just as Richmond’s finals outlook became clearer with Sunday’s result, so did Hawthorn’s. Unless all the stars align and a number of teams lose 'winnable' matches in the final three rounds,, the Hawks look set to sit out of September action for the first time in eight years.
Hawthorn has been incredibly courageous since their mid-season bye, winning four-and-a-half of their seven games all whilst playing against five of the competition’s top six sides.
But, with a start to the season that saw just one win from the opening six games, the Hawks seemingly set themselves a challenge just too difficult to overcome.
Roughead one of Hawks’ best in milestone game
In game number 250, Jarryd Roughead shone in an otherwise grim night for his club. Though admittedly having some jitters in front of goal, the Hawks captain finished with 23 disposals, seven marks, six tackles and two goals, as he became just the 14th Hawthorn player to play 250 games in the brown and gold.
Roughead’s game continued a decent streak of form, averaging 23 possessions, six marks and two goals over the past three weeks.
Watch: Roughead - "we weren't clean."
Martin continues his march towards Charlie
After a week in which he moved into almost unbackable Brownlow Medal favouritism, Dustin Martin recorded yet another stellar performance against the Hawks on Sunday.
Martin was one his side’s best players, gathering team-highs in disposals (32) and contested possessions (14) as well as six clearances, six inside 50s and two goals.
It is the 12th time this year the 26-year old has collected at least 30 touches, also kicking two goals on five of these occasions.
