That one day in October : The Tigers become a dynasty.
Away from the MCG it was the battle of Victorian teams, Geelong and Richmond. A battle which saw the Tigers become a dynasty.
The stage was set for a blockbuster final with the Tigers chasing their third title in 4 years, while the Cats were searching for their first since 2011.
Geelong had plenty to play for with Joel Selwood becoming a four time Premiership player, while Gary Ablett was looking to finish his 357 game career on a high with a third flag.
Standing in the way….last year’s Norm Smith medalist Dustin Martin plus super star forward Jack Riewoldt who kicked a 5 goal haul in the 2019 Grand Final match.
The opening quarter was a bruising encounter two champions of the game injured. Gary Ablett returning to the ground with a strapped shoulder, while Nick Vlastuin’s night ended early with a concussion.
INJURY| Ablett down in the rooms with a shoulder injury & Nick Vlastuin @Richmond_FC out cold with a head injury.
— 6PR Football (@6prfootball) October 24, 2020
Is Patrick Dangerfield in trouble after this incident with @Richmond_FC Nick Vlastuin? https://t.co/KbE3x6d6Yd
— 6PR Football (@6prfootball) October 24, 2020
Patrick Dangerfield was busy for the Cats in the first half guiding Geelong into the main break with a 15 point lead.
Q2| Danger Danger!!! He goals to extend @GeelongCats lead!
🐯2.1 (13)
😼3.2 (20)#AFLGF— 6PR Football (@6prfootball) October 24, 2020
Despite Geelong’s lead Richmond clawed their way back into the game to head into the final term with a 2 point advantage compliments of some Dusty Martin magic.
Q3| The magician strikes again!! Dusty Martin with the goal of the night.
🐯7.3 (45)
😼6.6 (42)#AFLGF— 6PR Football (@6prfootball) October 24, 2020
The Magician Martin continued to cast a spell over the Cats in the final term ending the game with a 4 goal haul. He was supported by Prestia, Riewoldt and Lynch who also added to the tally ahead of the full time siren.
The famous victory see’s the Tigers claim back to back victories plus three of the last four flags. Dustin Martin also making history with three best on ground performances earning him three Norm Smith medals.
The Tigers are the newest dynasty in @AFL !!!
🐯12.9 (81)
😼7.8 (50)#AFLGF pic.twitter.com/zsG9zfdnQj— 6PR Football (@6prfootball) October 24, 2020
The final score
RICHMOND 2.1 3.2 7.4 12.9 (81)
GEELONG 2.2 5.5 6.8 7.8 (50)
GOALS
Richmond: Martin 4, Prestia 2, Riewoldt 2, Castagna, Lambert, Lynch, McIntosh
Geelong: Menegola 2, Dangerfield, Duncan, Guthrie, Hawkins, Miers