Simply the best

THE Cats kept coming, but Richmond had done enough in a thrilling MCG clash last night, with the top-of-the-table Tigers winning by three points. Alex Rance and Tom Hawkins (above) were in the thick of it.

GEELONG was oh-so-brave but Richmond dug deep to extend its record-breaking run at the MCG in a thrilling threepoint win last night.

The Cats kicked the last three goals of the match to trail by just four points with less than two minutes remaining in a barnstorming finish.

Gary Ablett had the opportunity to pull off a stunning come-from-behind win with about 90 seconds left, but his running shot sailed wide.

The Tigers stood firm in the frantic dying seconds to score a 12.13 (85) to 12.10 (82) win and make it 19 victories in a row at the MCG in front of 67,054 fans.

Dustin Martin had 26 possessions and 10 clearances in an influential performance, while Kane Lambert was also important with 31 disposals.

The eagerly awaited Tom Hawkins-Alex Rance duel eventuated and Rance came out on top.

After back-to-back bags of seven goals, Hawkins managed just one major in the last quarter.

Daniel Menzel kicked three goals for the Cats, but Jack Riewoldt was the most damaging forward on the ground with four.

Geelong started brightly, but Riewoldt kicked two goals in the first quarter to help the Tigers to a 10-point quartertime lead.

The first two majors of the second term stretched the margin to 25 points, but Patrick Dangerfield — who finished with 39 touches — led a stirring fightback. The Cats trailed by five points at the main break then hit the front when Menzel booted the first goal of the second half.

But, as they so often do, the Tigers found another gear when challenged. Stifling pressure and the almost inevitable turnovers fuelled a run of four unanswered goals that saw them lead by 21 points at threequarter time.

Damien Hardwick’s men, who are the best finishers in the league, appeared to have the game in hand 23 points up midway through the last quarter. But Geelong showed that it is a finals-calibre team with a stirring late rally that fell agonisingly short.

Joel Selwood (37 possessions) and Tim Kelly (36) were outstanding for the Cats.

The Tigers will hit the road to take on Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium in Round 21, while Geelong takes on Hawthorn at the MCG.