AFL round 6: Richmond Tigers muster win after low-scoring slog against Sydney Swans
During the second-lowest scoring match of the AFL era, the Richmond Tigers only managed one goal after the opening quarter, and still won.
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It wasn’t pretty, but the Richmond Tigers secured their third win of the season with an eight-point victory over the Sydney Swans in slippery conditions on Sunday.
Only 60 points were scored in the second-lowest scoring game in the AFL era — the lowest was a 36-22 victory for the Brisbane Bears against Footscray in 1996.
Regardless, Richmond snared a 4.10 (34) to 3.8 (26) win at the Gabba, and have jumped up to sixth place on the ladder.
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Sydney could only manage three goals in the round six clash, with torrential rain considerably impeding scoring in Brisbane. The Swans’ total score of 26 was their second-lowest since migrating to Sydney in 1982.
After the Tigers raced off the blocks with three consecutive goals, just one major was scored in the second, third and fourth quarters respectively.
Richmond’s 34 points was the lowest winning score of the 2020 season — the Tigers only managed one goal after the 11-minute mark in the first quarter.
The last time Richmond won an AFL/VFL match with 34 points or less was way back in 1908, when they defeated Fitzroy 34-33.
Although shortened quarters and wild weather undeniably played a part in the low-scoring affair, AFL fans were less than impressed with the disappointing spectacle, many condemning Sydney’s defensive style of play.
ABC Offsiders panellist Richard Hinds tweeted: “Have the sniffles so had a COVID test. It was far less painful than watching #AFLTigersSwans.”
Veteran sports writer Titus O’Reily posted: “If I wanted to punish someone, I’d lock them in their house and make them watch this game.”
Swans second-lowest score since they moved to Sydney. Only their 23 point effort against Collingwood in 1988 was lower. Abysmal #AFLTigersSwans
— Felix Rodrigues Lima (@FelixReports) July 12, 2020
Sydney finish with three goals.
— Chris Robinson (@CJKRobinson) July 12, 2020
Tony Lockett kicked more than that off his own boot in a game 175 times#AFLTigersSwans
I’m really, really, really trying to like @AFL in 2020.
— Stephen Quartermain (@Quartermain10) July 12, 2020
But geez it’s becoming difficult.
The fact Freo has played the most entertaining game of the year is confirmation 2020 is stuffed in general.
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) July 12, 2020
I just had a 45 min nap and only missed 2 goals. Footy in 2020 is so strange.
— Natalie Yoannidis (@NatYoannidis) July 12, 2020
To make matters worse for Sydney, veteran midfielder Josh Kennedy suffered a medial ligament injury in the first quarter, and didn’t return to the field of play. It is unknown how long the Swans co-captain will be on the sidelines.
Sydney made the shock call to drop No. 1 ruckman Aliir Aliir for Sunday’s battle, a decision which assistant coach John Blakey explained before the first bounce.
“Aliir has just struggled with a bit of form and we just want to get him back to his very best form,” Blakey said.
“We obviously face a few issues with our height both down back and in the ruck but we think that we can manage that.”
Jack Riewoldt, Shai Bolton, Tom Lynch, Dustin Martin were the goalscorers for Richmond, while Tom Papley kicked two majors for the Swans.
The Tigers are scheduled to take on North Melbourne in round seven, while Sydney will face the Gold Coast Suns at the SCG on Saturday afternoon.
Originally published as AFL round 6: Richmond Tigers muster win after low-scoring slog against Sydney Swans