Martin masterclass puts Richmond into the Prelim
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TODAY’S LINE-UP: Matthew Lloyd, Jimmy Bartel, Mick Warner, Dwayne Russell, Bruce Eva, and Doc Larkins.
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Tiger star Alex Rance spoke to 3AW after the win.
He said Dustin Martin is “on another level”.
“He stepped up,” Rance said.
“He’s so powerful, so strong. We love having him at the Tigs.”
Click play to hear Rance in the rooms
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A crowd of 95,028 set the stage for a thumping atmosphere at the MCG.
And the Tiger army was in full voice at their team romped home.
Click play for match highlights
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FULL TIME
Richmond has won its way into a Preliminary Final!
The Tigers broke the game open in the final term on the back of Dustin Martin’s strength and class.
The Tigers kicked seven goals to one in the fourth quarter to win by 51 points.
The result means Geelong will play the winner of Sydney v Essendon next week.
Jimmy Bartel was impressed by the Tigers’ team defence and tackling power.
“You win premierships off the back of defence,” Jimmy said.
Click play for the full-time wrap
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HALF TIME
Richmond leads by nine points at the main break.
The Tigers have dominated large parts of the first half but inaccurate kicking kept the Cats in it.
In fact, Geelong did not kick a goal until the 26th minute of the second term.
Matthew Lloyd said Richmond’s coaches should be encouraged by the early performance.
“Their effort and tackling pressure has been enormous,” Lloydy said.
“When they’ve got the ball they look dangerous… but their forwards have let them down.
“They way they’re using the ball going forward is the thing that’s hurt them.
“28 inside 50s to 19 – they should be much further in front.”
Click play for the half-time wrap with Lloydy and Jimmy
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Geelong has dropped potent forward Daniel Menzel for the Qualifying Final.
Menzel has kicked 38.14 from 17 games this season, but the Cats opted to omit him and Wylie Buzza, with Joel Selwood and Zach Guthrie coming in.
But Geelong legend Jimmy Bartel told 3AW Football there’s method to the madness.
“They’ve looked at the Richmond side, and they’ve looked for a balanced side,” Jimmy said.
Click play for the full discussion
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Geelong assistant Corey Enright spoke to 3AW Football before the match.
He said Joel Selwood’s recovery was a “remarkable” effort.
Selwood suffered a fairly serious ankle injury five weeks ago but has recovered in time for the Qualifying Final.
“If anyone was going to do it, it was going to be Joel,” Enright said.
“We’re really confident he’ll be fine and unhindered.”
Click play for the full interview
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Richmond football manager Neil Balme joined 3AW before the game.
He said the Tigers have learnt a lot from their Round 21 loss to the Cats.
“What they did well was intercept mark, get a hold of the ball, control it out of defence,” Balme said.
“We can play a lot better in those areas.”
Click play for the full interview
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THE BUILD-UP
It’s the final Victoria has been waiting for!
The Cats knocked off the Tigers at the Cattery a couple of weeks ago, but the scenery has changed.
The MCG plays host to this one, with a bumper crowd expected on Friday night.
A Preliminary Final is the prize on the line, while the loser will have to play either the Swans or Bombers next week.
And there’s no one better to bring you the action than the No. 1 commentary team in the game, 3AW Football!
BELOW: Follow live commentary highlights throughout the weekend.