Captain Toby Nankervis couldn’t have done much more for his side in an epic ruck effort.
But a few big names struggled on the finals stage in a heartbreaking loss for Richmond.
We rate all 23 Richmond players for their performances against Brisbane in the Second Elimination Final.
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1. Nick Vlastuin
Awesome in defence. Had the match-up early on Eric Hipwood but rotated through a few Tigers forwards and got free as much as possible. Was the No.1 intercept player on the ground. Pulled off a terrific spoil in the third term that led to a Richmond forward foray and Tom Lynch goal. Marked the ball strongly and was efficient by foot. 8
3. Dion Prestia
Subbed out near half-time with a hamstring injury. Had Deven Robertson for company at most stoppages. Had three clearances in the first term but overall was well held for most of the first half. But just as the Lions got a run-on, Prestia came alive to spark the Tigers, winning ample clearances and setting the tone for his side out of the middle. Then came the hammy blow — a big blow at that. 5
4. Dustin Martin
Strong game without being gobsmackingly good. Straight to goalsquare on Darcy Gardiner then rotated through centre bounce clearances. Got on the end of a lovely Tigers passage of play in the first term for his opening goal. 6
5. Jack Ross
What a time to play the game of your life. Started on a wing next to Mitch Robinson but also pushed into the centre, especially after Dion Prestia was subbed out. Produced a big team-lifting goal in the second term during a breathtaking Richmond run. Won lots of hard footy, but was also clean by foot, finishing with 23 disposals, nine contested possessions, eight marks and eight score involvements. 8
6. Robbie Tarrant
Took Joe Daniher at the first bounce but rotated through a few players after Oscar McInerney’s substitution forced a shuffle. Looked strong in one-on-one in defensive contests. 5
7. Liam Baker
One of his quieter games for a while, struggling to have an impact for most of the night. Had six touches in the last quarter. 3
8. Jack Riewoldt
Clutch! Had Jack Payne for company early. Quiet start to the game but kicked a much-needed goal late in the second term against the grain to lift his side. Then stepped up when it mattered most in the fourth term, pulling off a miraculous set-shot goal then adding another. Also applied great defensive pressure. Might’ve sealed a new one-year deal with that performance. 6
9. Trent Cotchin
The veteran had some big moments. Was at the first centre bounce, but set the tone with his excellent workrate forward of centre. Kicked a big team-lifting goal from outside 50 in the first quarter and set up a set-shot major for Tom Lynch with a sizzling field kick. 6
10. Shane Edwards (sub)
Dropped on Wednesday night but subbed on just before half-time after Dion Prestia’s hamstring injury. Barely had an impact in the second half before applying an epic run-down tackle late in the last quarter. 2
15. Jayden Short
His kicking was precise, setting up the Tigers superbly across half-back. Gained more territory than any other Tigers player. He finished with 20 disposals and six score involvements. 7
17. Daniel Rioli
Continued his awesome 2022 campaign. Drifted down from half-back to kick the first goal of the game thanks to a lovely set-shot, but was at his best setting up from defence with 17 touches and a kicking efficiency of 91 per cent. 6
19. Tom Lynch
Stepped up in big moments. Manned up by Harris Andrews and didn’t have a lot of early opportunities to run and jump at the footy. Kicked a goal in the second then added another two in the third thanks to some brilliant delivery. Booted 3.2 from 14 disposals and plucked four contested marks. 7
21. Noah Balta
Started the game on Dan McStay. Constantly won the ball back for the Tigers in defence. Finished with six intercepts and went at 100 per cent by foot. 6
25. Toby Nankervis
Colossal captain’s game. Made the most of the Lions being without their No.1 ruckman and dominated at stoppages, winning hit-outs and clearances throughout the night. Strong numbers at the end of the game: 26 disposals, 18 contested possessions and nine clearances, while 13 of his 41 hit-outs went to a teammate’s advantage. 9
28. Josh Gibcus
Had “a touch of the fumbles” according to Channel 7’s Brian Taylor, dropping several marks. Looked like the occasion got to him. 2
29. Shai Bolton
Minimum disposals, maximum impact in the first half — then dropped off in the second. Copped an early poke to the eye but recovered quickly, snapping a terrific goal close to the boundary line from a free kick. Added another in the second term, showing terrific composure and balance to snap a wonderful left-foot major. Was the No. 1 rated player on the ground at half-time despite having just seven disposals. Then just three touches in the second half — totally went missing. 5
33. Kamdyn McIntosh
Began on the wing next to Jarrod Berry. Snapped a terrific third-quarter goal and finished with 14 disposals. 5
35. Nathan Broad
Started on Charlie Cameron and certainly had his hands full. Finished with 13 touches and four intercepts. 4
38. Noah Cumberland
Tough night to cap off a remarkable back-end to the season. Pounced on a loose Darcy Gardiner kick and snapped a goal to give Richmond the lead late in the second term. That was about it. 2
40. Tyler Sonsie
Played with footy nous and maturity beyond his years in the first half, but finished with the worst kicking efficiency on the field. Started across half-forward and had seven disposals in the first term and 15 by half-time. Kicked a goal in the second term but it was one of just two touches for the second half. Still, a terrific effort from the 19-year-old. 6
46. Ben Miller
Played mainly in defence but also had stints in the ruck. Overall limited time on the ground, but had 14 hit-outs and three contested marks. 5
49. Maurice Rioli
Was involved in everything early, setting up Tigers scores and applying terrific defensive pressure for most of the night. Kicked a goal from 12 disposals and finished with the third-most pressure points of all Tigers players. 6
50. Marlion Pickett
Terrific run-down tackle personified his first quarter, which included seven disposals and two marks. Worked hard across the flanks and wings as a link man, finishing with 23 disposals, nine contested possessions, six marks and six intercepts. 6
