The Serve

Richmond spoil party

Far from playing the role of the Washington Generals, the renowned patsy to the Harlem Globetrotters, Richmond has disappointed the monster pro-Bombers crowd, beating Essendon 17.17.119 to 13.14.92 in James Hird and Kevin Sheedy’s farewell at the MCG.

Fairytales aside, the loss puts to bed the chance of the Bomners playing in the finals, which had suddenly become a tantalizing propositions with results over the weekend being favourable.

Hird finished with two goals, his first on the quarter time siren, which gave Essendon a two goal buffer and seemingly the impetus to go on. That didn’t happen as the Tigers kept pace in the second term, taking the lead in time added on via Nathan Brown. Richmond led by 10 at the final change, before blowing Essendon out of the water, drilling seven goals to four.

Brett Deledio and Kane Johnson were particularity effective, especially Johnson who led Richmond’s possession getters with 31. Injuries were significant for Essendon, who ended the match with no players available on the bench.

“We sort of looked at this is a mini-final”, Tigers full forward Matthew Richardson told Fox Sports.

Richmond coach Terry Wallace had joked earlier in the week about being the ‘Washington Generals’, however there was little sentiment after the match, as he took just his third win of the season.

“We were part of a huge celebration, but we had a job to do ourselves.

“Perhaps there’s an era finishing in regards with Essendon, but certainly we believe we’ve started our era”, Wallace said on Fox Sports.

Richmond ’s continued form at the back end of the season allows them an opportunity to avoid the wooden spoon, if they can beat St.Kilda next week.