1. More than a game
'Maddie's Match' was always going to be more than just a game, and the Saints made sure it would be remembered with a gutsy fourth-quarter fightback. Pre-game there was queues all around the ground for shoelaces, t-shirts and pins to support Maddie Riewoldt's Vision. All sold out. Jack and Nick attended the coin toss and shared an emotional hug pre-game before Nick's opponent Troy Chaplin extended the same courtesy. For every goal kicked, $1500 was donated to the charity in Maddie Riewoldt's name, and $35,400 was donated after the final siren. Most importantly, a crowd of 45,772 – the highest at Etihad Stadium this season – made the day a grand success. "Her legacy will be one that saves lives," Nick said of his sister at the end of a memorable day.       

 

2. Richmond lacks a ruthless streak
With St Kilda's form for late comebacks this season, Richmond needed to be ruthless after the final change on Sunday. It was demanded by coach Damien Hardwick, but his players responded by all but putting the cue in the rack. St Kilda kicked six unanswered goals to cut the final margin to 16 points after it had been as much as 53. The best of Richmond was on show for three quarters, followed by the worst. The final quarter leaves doubts lingering on the Tigers ability to go to the next level this season and break into the top four.    

3. Lennon arrives
Richmond has been patient with Ben Lennon, playing the young half-forward in eight matches since he was recruited with pick No.12 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft. Expect that rate of appearance to accelerate now after a breakout game against the Saints. Lennon showed his class with three goals in the first three quarters, including a brilliant snap over his shoulder just before three-quarter time. He has been made to earn his spot this season, with strong VFL form not always rewarded. Now he is in the 22, Richmond will be hoping he can demand to hold his spot and add class in the run to finals.  

4. The future on show
Prized St Kilda forward Paddy McCartin made his debut in round three when Nick Riewoldt was a late withdrawal against Collingwood. He was clearly more ready for the elite level on Sunday, and he had the luxury of playing alongside Riewoldt and teammate Josh Bruce. In the final quarter, he kicked the first of what is sure to be many goals in a long career for the No.1 draft pick. At the other end of the ground, Hugh Goddard made his debut and did some impressive things. He kicked well, and most notably won a one-on-one contest against star defender Alex Rance. A career in the forward line could eventually beckon for Goddard, who finished with 13 possessions and three marks. 

5. Handball-happy Tigers
Richmond averaged 153 handballs a game this season, ranked No.13 in the AFL, but for some reason they jacked that up to 174 on Sunday. The Tigers repeatedly put teammates under pressure by giving panicked handballs when a clearing kick was called for. Coach Damien Hardwick said it was something the team spoke about at quarter time and again at half time. "At one stage in defensive 50m in the second quarter we had one kick and nine handballs," the coach said. "St Kilda's defensive pressure is what they've built the back of their game on the last four to six weeks and we knew it was coming, we just wouldn't kick the ball. We let ourselves down, we were just fortunate enough to get away with the four points."