Richmond small forwards set up win over Hawthorn, cement place in top four

RICHMOND turned up the pressure and confirmed their top-four credentials on Sunday while extinguishing Hawthorn’s finals hopes at the MCG.

Josh Caddy and Dustin Martin celebrate a goal against Hawthorn.

THEY say Richmond is on the lookout for a second key forward.

On Sunday the Tigers didn’t even need one as they gave further legitimacy to their top four charge with a 29-point win over Hawthorn at the MCG.

Defeating lowly Gold Coast without Jack Riewoldt last week was one thing, but beating an in-form Hawthorn would be an all together different task, particularly in light of the fact that the Hawks, off the back of a stunning win over Sydney, needed the four points to keep its finals flame flickering.

LIVE BLOG: RE-CAP THE ACTION AND REACTION FROM SUPER SUNDAY

CONTRACT NEWS: TIGERS STILL IN DARK OVER DUSTY DEAL

MILESTONE HAWK: UNTOLD STORIES OF ROUGHY’S CANCER BATTLE

But that flame needed air to breathe, something Richmond’s smalls such as Dan Butler, Corey Ellis, Jason Costagna, Daniel Rioli, Anthony Miles and Josh Caddy refused to give Hawthorn defenders.

No jumping Jack to kick at? No problem. The Tigers just refused to let it out of their attacking 50m without hitting the scoreboard first.

Dustin Martin celebrates a goal against Hawthorn.

There were times when that made for ugly viewing.

The second quarter seemed as if it was played exclusively at the City End of the ground, but the Tigers just could not convert their territorial advantage on to the scoreboard, with only a goal apiece in that term.

But for the most part it was effective.

Like the start to the third quarter when Dustin Martin got forward and pinched the first two goals of the term, followed by another to Caddy in quick succession.

Game over.

It was an early glimpse into life without Luke Hodge for the Hawks, with the suspended veteran’s absence proving telling at times on the organisational front.

Tom Mitchell is tackled high by Dustin Martin. Picture: Michael Klein

But take nothing away from the Tigers, who refused to give an inch all day.

Lauding the Tiger smalls should not discredit the work of talls Toby Nankervis or Ivan Soldo either, who were also a presence when situated forward.

The pair even linked up for the first score of the day - albeit a behind.

But when the first goal came from forward pressure - the result of a Nankervis tackle mind you - and the third goal came after a Hawthorn kick was partially smothered coming out of defence, it was clear what Richmond’s modus operandi was to be.

It meant Jarryd Roughead’s 250th would not be celebrated with gusto.

The forward battled hard, but was guilty - like many in the difficult conditions - of going askew in front of goal.

Jarryd Roughead kicked two goals in his milestone match.

Down his end was Alex Rance, who, aside from the returning Dion Prestia and probably Caddy, was up there with Richmond’s best.

So with three games to go the Tigers are three games and percentage clear of ninth.

They won’t miss finals from here. For the Hawks, however, the September dream is gone.

All of a sudden Damien Hardwick’s men are also in third and breathing down the neck of GWS in second - which has a tricky encounter with the Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.

And Saturday’s mouth-watering clash with a Joel Selwood-less Geelong at Simonds Stadium could be a clash for a top two spot.

MATT WINDLEY’S VOTES

3. Josh Caddy (Rich)

2. Dion Prestia (Rich)

1. Alex Rance (Rich)

WINDLEY’S BEST

Richmond: J.Caddy, D.Prestia, A.Rance, D.Martin, K.Lambert, D.Rioli, A.Miles.

Hawthorn: T.Mitchell, L.Shiels, J.Sicily, J.Gunston, T.Miles.

Originally published as Richmond small forwards set up win over Hawthorn, cement place in top four