RICHMOND has consolidated its spot on top of the ladder with a 43-point win over Collingwood, an eight-goal final term inflating the final margin from what was a hard-fought clash.
Both teams entered the game off shortened breaks but each attacked the contest with a ferocity that belied any signs of weariness, while the Magpies' fighting performance against the reigning premier underlined their genuine finals claims.
Collingwood led at stages in each of the first three quarters, and as late as the 22-minute mark of the third term.
But the Tigers' unrelenting pressure eventually broke yet another opponent as they piled on the next five goals – the first three from Josh Caddy on his return from a hamstring injury – and the last four goals of the game to seal an impressive 16.17 (113) to 10.10 (70) victory.
Richmond's win was its third in a row against Collingwood and its fifth from the teams' last six clashes.
Trent Cotchin (29 possessions and five inside 50s) led the way for his team with his class and tireless work rate through the midfield, while Dustin Martin (29 possessions and 10 clearances) rode shotgun with his captain and put the final nail through the Magpies' coffin with a classy goal on the run late in the final term.
Both teams entered the game off shortened breaks but each attacked the contest with a ferocity that belied any signs of weariness, while the Magpies' fighting performance against the reigning premier underlined their genuine finals claims.
Collingwood led at stages in each of the first three quarters, and as late as the 22-minute mark of the third term.
But the Tigers' unrelenting pressure eventually broke yet another opponent as they piled on the next five goals – the first three from Josh Caddy on his return from a hamstring injury – and the last four goals of the game to seal an impressive 16.17 (113) to 10.10 (70) victory.
Richmond's win was its third in a row against Collingwood and its fifth from the teams' last six clashes.
Trent Cotchin (29 possessions and five inside 50s) led the way for his team with his class and tireless work rate through the midfield, while Dustin Martin (29 possessions and 10 clearances) rode shotgun with his captain and put the final nail through the Magpies' coffin with a classy goal on the run late in the final term.
