RICHMOND has farewelled triple-premiership heroes Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt in style, defeating North Melbourne by 29 points in the retiring duo's final AFL match.
With finals out of the equation for both clubs, Saturday's 14.17 (101) to 10.12 (72) win became an emotional celebration for the Tigers faithful, who cheered off the much-loved pair as winners at the MCG for the last time.
Some late possessions to Cotchin and a signature high-flying mark for Riewoldt drew raucous applause from the fans, who gave several standing ovations throughout the day.
North challenged Richmond early and led by 14 points 10 minutes into the second term but the Tigers piled on seven goals to one for the remainder of the quarter, taking a 22-point lead into halftime and were never headed thereafter.
TIGERS v KANGAROOS Full match coverage and stats
The class of Dustin Martin (31 disposals, three goals) and Shai Bolton (25 disposals, four goals) were the difference but the gallant Kangaroos refused to lie down, with Nick Larkey kicking three third-quarter goals and just nine points separating the two sides at the final change.
But the Tigers steadied, kicking three unanswered goals in the final term to cruise to a comfortable win.
Cotchin, who had battled a calf injury to get back for his farewell game finished with 18 disposals, while Riewoldt managed just one goal in his final game.
For the Kangaroos, former skipper Jack Ziebell was prolific in his 280th and final AFL match, amassing 23 disposals and taking a huge hanger over Liam Baker to add a final clip to his career highlights package.
Emerging midfielder Tarryn Thomas (25 disposals, two goals) stepped up in the absence of gun midfielder Luke Davies-Uniacke, who was a late withdrawal due to a foot injury.
Thomas was classy throughout, kicking goals, setting up teammates with precision kicking and weaving his way through stoppages with ease, while young star Harry Sheezel had 38 disposals.
Spearhead Nick Larkey did his All-Australian selection chances no harm, booting six goals to take his tally to 62 for the season.
Riewoldt finishes his career with 787 goals to his name, leaving him in 13th place on the VFL/AFL goalkicking leaderboard, just short of former teammate Matthew Richardson (800 goals).
Richmond will take on Port Adelaide in Adelaide next Sunday in its final match of 2023, while North Melbourne will meet Gold Coast in Tasmania on Saturday to end its season.
Retiring trio farewelled
Saturday marked the final match for Richmond greats Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt, as well as for former North Melbourne captain Jack Ziebell. Each had their moment during the game, with Riewoldt kicking a goal early, Ziebell taking a hanger and Cotchin producing some vintage midfield work. All three spent the final minutes of the game in their side's respective goal squares, waiting for an opportunity to kick one last goal. While none eventuated, the emotionally charged ceremony post-game was a fitting farewell to three greats of their respective clubs.
Dusty winds back the clock
After a slower few years by his lofty standards, Dustin Martin was in vintage form against the Kangaroos. The 2017 Brownlow medallist picked up 31 disposals, seven marks and three goals to post his best performance of the year. He broke tackles, found space and gave the Tigers plenty of run as he farewelled his great mates Cotchin and Riewoldt.
Late change a huge loss for the Roos
Midfield bull Luke Davies-Uniacke was withdrawn just an hour before the first bounce with a foot injury, leaving a big hole in North's midfield. Averaging 27.2 disposals and 6.7 clearances this year, Davies-Uniacke's absence around the ball was felt as Richmond dominated at stoppages. Tarryn Thomas was handy in Davies-Uniacke's absence, but with Dustin Martin in fine form, the Tigers won the clearances 35-26 and made the most of Martin and Shai Bolton's run.
RICHMOND 3.2 10.5 11.10 14.17 (101)
NORTH MELBOURNE 2.3 6.7 10.7 10.12 (72)
GOALS
Richmond: Bolton 4, Martin 3, Soldo 2, Balta 2, Prestia, Nankervis, Riewoldt
North Melbourne: Larkey 6, Thomas 2, Taylor, Curtis
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Bolton, Taranto, Hopper
North Melbourne: Larkey, Sheezel, Thomas, Scott
INJURIES
Richmond: TBC
North Melbourne: McDonald (hamstring)
LATE CHANGES
Richmond: Nil
North Melbourne: Luke Davies-Uniacke (foot) replaced in selected side by Flynn Perez
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Maurice Rioli jnr replaced Marlion Pickett at three-quarter time
North Melbourne: Blake Drury replaced Luke McDonald in the second quarter
Crowd: 59,555 at the MCG
