Richmond pull off historic come from behind win to topple Hawthorn

Footy fans couldn’t quite believe their eyes as Richmond delivered a comeback for the ages at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

Liam Baker you star. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Richmond just did the unthinkable.

In a game they entered as heavy favourites many fans expected them to comfortably claim the four points.

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Hawthorn had other ideas and for the vast majority of the contest were the better of the two sides at the MCG.

With three quarters in the books and the Hawks holding a 30-point margin the result was almost sewn up.

But the Tigers leaders refused to go quietly into the night and lifted the team onto their shoulders and flipped the script in stunning fashion.

Five unanswered goals in the quarter was exactly what the Tigers needed as they escaped with the 14.12 (96) to 15.5 (95) victory.

A Kamdyn McIntosh goal brought the margin back to five before Liam Baker pounced on a loose ball inside 50 and snapped truly to give the Tigers the lead.

Liam Baker you star. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Fox Sports’ Max Laughton noted the 30-point come from behind victory was the equal biggest in Richmond’s history, with the first time being way back in 1947. It’s also their biggest ever at the MCG.

After starting the year 3-7-1, the Tigers have now won six of their last seven games under interim coach Andrew McQualter to roar into finals contention.

Richmond’s pressure skyrocketed in the final quarter as they out-tackled the Hawks 21-12 to win the stat convincingly 72-52, while they also finished on top in disposals 378-359, contested possessions 142-128 and marks 115-89.

The moment Baker cooked up a matchwinner 😍 #AFLTigersHawkspic.twitter.com/6tUlh5ceTy

— AFL (@AFL) July 22, 2023

Tim Taranto produced another matchwinning performance that featured 23 disposals (11 contested), eight tackles and three goals.

Dustin Martin was also crucial in racking up 24 touches (10 contested), seven marks and two goals.

The loss could also come for a cost for the Hawks after their ruckman Ned Reeves was reported for sling-tackling Ivan Soldo in the first quarter, causing the Richmond big man’s head to slam into the ground.

And while Soldo was able to play out the game, Reeves looks set for a suspension.

– with Ronny Lerner, NCA Newswire

Originally published as Richmond pull off historic come from behind win to topple Hawthorn