Jack Graham provided Richmond with a perfect blend of defence and attack in last night’s Round 5 match against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.
The tough, talented, dual premiership Tiger midfielder had a game-high 12 tackles and also kicked three goals in the team’s decisive 86-point win.
As a result, Graham joined an extremely exclusive club in AFL football – players who have had a dozen tackles or more, and scored three or more goals in a match, multiple times.
Graham has now accomplished this rare feat twice in his 60-game AFL career. He previously did it in Round 21, 2019 against Carlton at the MCG, when he had 14 tackles and booted four goals.
There are only two other former AFL players who managed to do what Graham has done.
Gary Ablett Jr. achieved it twice throughout his magnificent 357-game career with Geelong and Gold Coast, and four-time Hawthorn premiership star Cyril Rioli also did it on two occasions in his 189-game career.
Graham, who had 17 disposals all-up, five inside-50s, four clearances, seven score involvements and 306 metres to go with his three goals and 12 tackles against the Saints last night, received praise post-match from Richmond coach Damien Hardwick.
“Jack Graham’s a really good and integral part of our side,” Hardwick said.
“I love it when he’s playing, and especially damaging when he’s hitting the scoreboard.”
