As Richmond prepares for its last AFL game of the year against Geelong at the MCG this Saturday, we look at our historic recent finals matches against the Cats.

At the start of Richmond’s dynasty in 2017, the Tigers were paired with Geelong in a Qualifying Final at the MCG.

Richmond went into the game having not won an AFL final since 2001 and had not beaten the Cats at the MCG since 1999.

With everything to play for, the Tigers came out ferocious, applying their trademark Richmond pressure.

The side hit the scoreboard first, with Jacob Townsend soccering one off the ground, followed by a goal from Josh Caddy, which put the Tigers in front by two goals at the end of the first.

Dustin Martin had a day out, finishing with 28 possessions, nine inside 50s, seven tackles and six clearances.

Richmond didn’t look like slowing down, racing to a 51-point lead that erupted the MCG, marking the end of its 16-year finals win hiatus.

Fast forward to 2019, Richmond would once again lock horns with Geelong in the Preliminary Final on a Friday night in front of a packed-out MCG.

It was a tight contest early, seeing Richmond end the first quarter trailing by a goal.

The Cats came out firing in the second quarter, extending their lead to 21 points into the main break.

Key forward Tom Lynch re-ignited the fire for Richmond in the second half, by taking a huge overhead mark, then going back to slot his fourth goal of the match, putting the team in front.

Lynch went on to kick five goals for the game, alongside Dion Prestia, Martin and Jason Castagna, who all kicked two.

The Tigers stormed home with a 19-point win, booking themselves a date in the Grand Final, where they went on to win the premiership.

To round out our list, we revisit the 2020 Grand Final, where Richmond secured its third premiership in just four years.

With the impacts of COVID, the Grand Final was hosted at the Gabba in Brisbane.  

It was a Grand Final that had everything, with superstars stacked on both teams.

A string of early injuries delayed the game, with Tiger great Nick Vlastuin stretchered off from the field after a run-in with Patrick Dangerfield, followed by Cats legend Gary Ablett leaving the ground cradling his shoulder, all within the first quarter.

Richmond slotted the first two goals, however, the Cats regained composure to take a one-point lead at the first change.

The second quarter remained one-sided with Geelong kicking three goals to Richmond’s one, taking a handy lead at halftime.

Richmond needed to respond, and it did, with Jack Riewoldt booting the opening goal of the third term.

Castagna and Martin followed suit, sparking a surge for their side and giving them a two-point lead heading into the last.

The Tigers stormed home in the last quarter, kicking five goals to Geelong's one, making claim to back-to-back premierships. 

Martin picked up his third Norm Smith Medal after kicking four goals, collecting 21 disposals and three tackles.

Get to the 'G this Saturday for our clash with the Cats! Click here to buy tickets.