Demons v Tigers - snippets
TURNING POINT: It was a miracle that Melbourne was within a kick of the Tigers at the first change considering Richmond enjoyed 19 forward entries to just seven in the opening term yet led by just four points at quarter-time. But in the second term, as the Tigers' midfield continued to win the ball at will, it was only a matter of time before Richmond took control of the game as they rammed on six goals to one to lead by 38 points at half-time.
CLASSIC GRAB: What a shame that Brett Deledio's kicking did not match his marking on Sunday as the much-improved Tiger showed he can be just as dangerous in attack as in midfield. Deledio took two superb, one grab overhead marks in the final term under great pressure but unfortunately missed two sitters despite the fact he still managed to kick three goals in the final term to finish with four for the game.
STAR MAN: Joel Bowden (Richmond) - Just how Bowden was out of the Richmond side from rounds four to seven - when he was demoted to the VFL - will remain one of the great mysteries of the season for his form since his return has been unbelievable. Already directly responsible for winning or saving the game in the dying minutes in three of Richmond's wins this year, the 30-year-old finished off the season in style with 29 possessions and three goals and will surely be given a new contract to continue his career at Punt Road next season.
ABSOLUTE SHOCKER: Melbourne's dreadful performance - one of their worst in a season full of terrible efforts - was summed up in the third term when youngster Cale Morton attempted to run the ball out of defence only to be run down from behind by Deledio as experienced Demons' forward Brad Miller failed to shepherd properly. The resulting turnover led to a goal to Richmond's Jordan McMahon and summed up the lack of spirit on offer from the Demons not just on Sunday but throughout the season.
WHAT A GOAL! Richmond veteran Greg Tivendale certainly enjoyed his farewell appearance for the Tigers and was not only one of his team's players - in just his third game for the season - but gave Tiger fans one lasting memory of his prodigious left-foot kicking. There appeared little danger when the 29-year-old grabbed a loose ball in the centre of the ground midway through the second term until he produced a 65 metre monster kick on the run to the delight of his teammates, who immediately mobbed him.
UNSUNG HERO: Matthew Warnock (Melbourne) - The young Demons' defender has been one of the few bright spots of a forgettable season in what is just his third season in the AFL. Warnock has emerged as one of the most promising young defenders in the AFL this season despite beginning 2008 with just four games to his name. And again on Sunday, against overwhelming odds, Warnock was superb in keeping Richmond's veteran spearhead Matthew Richardson quiet and could walk off the ground with his head well and truly held high - unlike the bulk of his teammates.