Richmond pull off stunning win in dying seconds to topple GWS Giants

Richmond pulled a rabbit out of a hat to stun the GWS Giants in an instant classic final quarter that had fans on the edge of their seats.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – JUNE 04: Judson Clarke of the Tigers celebrates kicking a goal during the round 12 AFL match between Greater Western Sydney Giants and Richmond Tigers at GIANTS Stadium, on June 04, 2023, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Marlion Pickett has played the role of saviour as Richmond got the job done against a fast finishing GWS outfit on Sunday at Giants Stadium.

The Tigers were in control of the contest for the majority of the game, but the Giants refused to die and looked like they were set to steal the chocolates.

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A seven goal to five final term saw the lead bounce back and forth as Giants ruckman Kieren Briggs put his team in front in the dying stages.

But Richmond bounced back instantly with Dion Prestia putting the contest back on level terms before Pickett pounced and slotted a stunning goal to put the final nail in the GWS coffin.

The win gives caretaker coach Andrew McQualter his first win since taking the reigns following Damien Hardwick’s bombshell decision to stand down two weeks ago.

That game had it all 🤯

Relive the exhilarating final two minutes of the Giants and Tigers clash now.#AFLGiantsTigerspic.twitter.com/ZnLb4qdrot

— AFL (@AFL) June 4, 2023

The win gives Richmond their fourth on the season and moves them up to 13th spot on the ladder, ahead of Carlton on percentage.

The loss for the Giants drops them to 15th spot as their finals hopes took another damning blow in front of their home fans.

Richmond burst out of the blocks and held a 28-point lead early in the second quarter before the Giants began clawing their way back into the contest.

They went into the halftime break trailing by only 13 points before the Tigers held firm to build the lead out to 16 with one quarter to play.

We’ve done it. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Tim Taranto once again led the charge for the Tigers with a game-high 36 disposals, a goal and a massive 630 metres gained to continue his impressive season.

The Giants were led by Tom Green with the bull midfielder collecting 35 touches, marginally ahead of teammates Lachie Whitfield (33), Lachie Ash (33) and Callan Ward (32).

Veteran Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt wound the clock back in front of goal, kicking five goals as he punished the Giants defenders.

Richmond will look to keep their finals hopes alive next weekend when they travel to Perth to take on Fremantle on Saturday night.

The Giants will be out to rebound when they tackle North Melbourne in Tasmania on Sunday afternoon.