DUSTY DELIVERS IN MCG THRILLER

DUSTIN Martin inspired Richmondmond to a gripping six-ipointi AFL win over West Coast in a clash that lived up to its billing as a grand-final preview.

Martin (35 disposals, one goal) led the way as the Tigers clawed their way back to post a thrilling 13.10 (88) to 13.4 (82) victory in front of 57,415 fans at the MCG yesterday.

Having led by a point at three-quarter time, the Eagles conceded the first two goals of the final term but levelled when Josh Kennedy kicked truly with five minutes remaining.

But in a game full of momentum swings, Tigers spearhead Jack Riewoldt landed the telling blow when he intercepted a rebound kick and banged through his second major.

The win lifts the Tigers to fourth on the ladder ahead of a clash with ladder-leaders Brisbane in next week’s final round of the home-and-away season.

West Coast remain third and must beat Hawthorn next week and hope other results go their way to secure a top-two finish.

In a hotly-anticipated clash 455 days in the making, the reigning premiers got off to a dominant start against the 2017 flag-winners.

With Lewis Jetta and Brad Sheppard setting them up off half-back, the Eagles were able to activate their precision kicking game but the Tigers, led brilliantly by Martin, showed their quality in the second term and pared back the half-time margin to nine points.

In the third term Richmond started to slowly wear the Eagles down and again Martin was the key man, gathering a loose ball and snapping truly to reduce the margin to a point at three-quarter time, setting the scene for Reiwoldt’s late heroics. — Michael Ramsey