Tiger fans celebrate Richmond’s march into AFL Grand Final

ELATED fans have spilled into the streets of Richmond after the Tigers demolished the Giants to march into its first Grand Final in 35 years.

Dustin Martin after kicking a goal during the second AFL preliminary final between the Richmond Tigers and the GWS Giants. Picture: AAP Image/Julian Smith

SOON after the final siren sounded, elated Tiger fans spilled into the streets of Richmond.

A sea of yellow and black marched from the MCG into the heart of Tigerland, screaming “bring on the crows!”

A chorus of supporters belted the club’s anthem as they descended on Swan St where bars and pubs had swung their doors open, bracing for the parade of fans looking for a place to continue their celebrations.

The long-awaited victory turned the inner city suburb into a street party. Cars were forced to wait as throngs of punters tumbled onto the street.

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Richmond fans leaving the MCG after winning the semi-final. Picture: Tony Gough

An ambulance screamed by, tooting in unison with the crowds’ chants. The streets became walkways and the Richmond tunnel was car free.

No one attempted to stop the fans from taking over the street.

“Make way, the Tiger army is coming through!” the crowd screamed.

“You wouldn’t want to be a car on Swan St right now,” a fan told the Sunday Herald Sun.

Even the incessant car horns couldn’t drown out the cheers of the crowd.

Richmond fans celebrating after winning the semi-final. Picture: Tony Gough

Richmond fans celebrate while leaving the MCG. Picture: Tony Gough

Police stood guard to monitor the crowd, but couldn’t help but smile at the crowds’ absolute euphoria at the stunning win.

Richmond faithful Leon caldis said he would be celebrating long into the night and was “ecstatic” about the win.

“This is gonna be a four day bender, I can’t believe it,” he said.

Zale Stobbs said he had been waiting 37 years for the chance to see his boys win a flag.

“I’ll definitely be having a few frothies after this!”

Diehard Dustin Martin fan Fraser Cameron celebrated his footy idol’s win by grabbing a permanent marker and “inking” himself.

“This is for Dusty,” Mr Cameron said as he showed off his neck and knuckle tattoos.

Mr Cameron was one of hundreds of Richmond faithful toasting the victory at bars along Swan St.

Tigers supporter Fraser Cameron showing off his fake Dusty neck tattoo at the Corner Hotel after the Richmond victory. Picture: Tony Gough

Richmond fans walking back from the MCG. Picture: Tony Gough