Victory inspired by scent of defeat

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IT HUNG in the atmosphere of the MCG more heavily than the humidity.

A notion of dread and foreboding that grew from an internal perception of threat to consume the mind of every Richmond player.

The gradual onset of panic that escalated to full-blown paralysis.

As a study in pop footy psychology, you couldn't have conceived a more perfect case.

It began in the final minutes of the second quarter when Trent Cotchin and Dustin Martin botched an attempt at slow, protective play. Chris Yarran swept on the scene and kicked a goal that pricked the psyche of both teams.

TIGERS HANG ON TO BREAK BLUES HEART

HARDWICK PLEASED WITH COURAGE

Richmond receded into itself. It pre-empted the charge of Carlton built on aggression and chance.

Carlton brought speed to the game with intent to play on. Richmond became ever more stodgy pursuing safety above all else.

As a self-fulfilling prophecy the Tigers tightened, steadily succumbing to the pressure.

Dustin Martin was outstanding with 21 touches and two goals. Picture by Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

By the last quarter, despite a 23-point buffer, momentum was set. In 19 minutes Carlton went inside the forward 50 15 times to Richmond's three.

The wasteful Blues kicked three goals, five behinds and two out on the full.

As the last of a 37-point advantage was erased, Damien Hardwick had made a mercy dash to the bench in a desperate bid to instil a hint of calm or poise.

Defender Troy Chaplin was fighting off the most natural and negative impulse: "Oh no, not again."

He found his captain and implored Cotchin to spread the word. Stay composed. Play our way. And stop giving the ball back.

Chaplin would recall the desperation of that moment: "You looked around and the guys had the look on their faces and you didn't want it to go down that path again."

Former Port Adelaide midfielder Matt Thomas had several key clearances in the final term. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

There was still seven minutes of playing time remaining. Had it not been for Carlton's ineptitude around goal the matter would have been well settled.

Richmond had confirmed itself the embodiment of an overly emotional team that it is said plays the scoreboard rather than the plan.

It had shown no greater capability for the six-month interlude since last Carlton pulled the same heist.

But a funny thing happened on the way to the siren. The prospect of certain defeat lifted the crushing burden and Richmond re-entered the fray.

How it won is something of a mystery best depicted by the madcap manner of the next goal.

Jack Riewoldt tackles Jarrad Waite. Picture Wayne Ludbey. Source: News Corp Australia

Jack Riewoldt made an ungainly approach to a marking contest and ended up with the free kick from a very gettable position. Shane Edwards took leave of his senses and claimed the advantage only to be rundown adjacent to the goal square.

Robbie Warnock grabbed the loose ball and fluffed it straight to Ty Vickery who scunged his kick between the big sticks. You can't put that play on a whiteboard.

As Steven Morris summarised after the song: "Ohhhh god."

Hardwick clung to a growing maturity in his group to overcome the assault and reassert its authority. Soon after he gave that assessment he declared himself in need of a drink.

Shaun Hampson and Matt Thomas enjoy their first win for the club. Picture by Colleen Petch. Source: News Corp Australia

The less charitable view would be if there is moral victory in defeat then it must follow that there can be moral defeat in victory.

Richmond is condemned by the proposition of Alfred Tennyson: "That which we are, we are."

While victory was rescued, the familiar frailties again plunged it into the predicament. Any hope of advancement rests in shaking that truth.

To that end Hardwick will draw on the toil of Matt Thomas, a man without the historical impediment of the yellow and black. In the decisive minutes he clasped an intercept mark, gained a dogged clearance and twice pumped the Tigers inside 50.

Ricky Petterd fearlessly thwarted a goal line attack. Ben Griffiths pulled in the calming contested mark amid the frenzy. And Martin asserted his brute strength and skill for the winner.

In those actions, Richmond found the will to strive, to seek, to find, and not to yield.

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