Richmond’s VFL side staged a stunning comeback to secure a 31-point victory over Frankston at Punt Road Oval on Saturday.
The VFL Tigers trailed by 19 points at three-quarter time for consecutive weeks, needing a final term goal-fest to lift it off the canvas.
The final term yielded seven majors, as Craig McRae's side steamrolled the Dolphins to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.
Blustery conditions meant the game was always going to be a struggle, and after a scrappy first three quarters, the Tigers electrified the crowd in the last, winning 11.15 (81) to 7.8 (50).
The Tigers slammed on 7.8 and importantly held Frankston scoreless, which highlighted their growing maturity and improvement as a football side.
The last quarter was brimming with heroes.
With Ivan Maric sitting out the final term with a back complaint, the critical rucking responsibility was heaped solely on the broad shoulders of Ivan Soldo.
And it was fitting that Soldo nailed the sealer which ultimately sunk the Dolphins.
Soldo’s final term heroics epitomised how far this group has come, and showcased his evolution as a footballer — to stand-up when his team needed him most.
Richmond oozed resilience in the final term.
Flashy wingman Nick Mellington’s classy snap at the four-minute mark sparked the Tigers, and signalled a seven goal avalanche.
Inside bulls Andrew Moore (37 disposals and 11 clearances) and Jacob Ballard (30 disposals) were at their bustling best.
Small forward Jake Aarts nagged the Dolphins’ defenders constantly and crafted a game-high three majors, while debutant Jarred Ellis captured his moment to shine.
Ellis struggled to make an impact in the first three quarters of his debut, but he made sure his final term was a truer reflection of talent.
As captain Sam Darley’s long-range shot drifted across the face of goal, Ellis launched and clunked a vital mark deep in the left-forward pocket.
He then settled himself, and coolly snapped his first major for the Club which rocketed the Tigers to within three points, and they sailed home thereafter.
The remaining goals came via Aarts, Todd Elton, Ballard, Soldo and James Fletcher — mere moments before the final siren.
At the other end of the ground, Nathan Broad (26 disposals and 11 marks), Callum Moore and Ryan Gale (18 disposals) were resolute and defiant, continually propelling Frankston’s forays forward.
Broad put in a stellar performance, with his courage in the air, dash, and daring with the ball, standing out.
The opening term was an arm-wrestle, as Dan Butler buzzed around Punt Road Oval and set-up Liam McBean for a solitary first-quarter major.
The Tigers trailed by seven points at quarter time, but clicked into gear early in the second term.
Elton continued his resurgent form when he nailed a monster goal from beyond the 50-metre arc, with Aarts following suit minutes later.
The duo’s majors handed Richmond a slender six-point lead, then the Dolphins made their charge.
Frankston slammed on three goals on the trot and led by 11 points by half-time.
McRae demanded a lift in energy and intensity from the Tigers in the second half, and they responded with their sparkling final term performance.
Tiger youngsters Jacob Townsend (24 disposals and 10 tackles), Dan Butler (22 disposals) and Connor Menadue (22 disposals) were notable contributors.
Andrew Moore’s impressive four-week block has him averaging 28 disposals and his duet of best-on-grounds in the last fortnight will have him on the cusp of AFL selection.
Richmond's VFL side heads to IKON Park this Saturday to take on the Northern Blues at 2pm.
