RETIRING RIEWOLDT BOWS OUT WITH LOSS
RICHMOND have secured a top-four berth and sent AFL great Nick Riewoldt into retirement with a 41-point win over St Kilda yesterday.
The Saints were still a mathematical chance of making the finals if they had a big win and other results went their way, but the Tigers jumped them early to set up the 19.8 (122) to 12.9 (81) victory.
Damien Hardwick’s men were fourth going into Round 23 and they climbed to third with their 15th win of the season to set up a qualifying final against Geelong.
Red-hot Brownlow Medal favourite Dustin Martin put in another stunning performance, his 36 possessions and two goals a highlight.
Riewoldt had 15 touches and kicked a goal in his 336th and final AFL appearance. He was warmly applauded by the 69,104 fans in attendance as he was chaired off the MCG by teammate Josh Bruce and cousin Jack Riewoldt.
Richmond led by 18 points at the first change then surged to a 50-point lead in the second term.
But the Saints fought back with four goals to one in the third quarter and would have been closer than 25 points down heading into the last quarter with better conversion in front of goal.
Martin then steadied the ship for the Tigers with the first goal of the final term.
Trent Cotchin was also important with 26 disposals and a goal, while Jacob Townsend booted five goals.