David Astbury – 6
Was under pressure early when Harrison Himmelberg kicked two early goals, with the second goal coming after he was outmarked in the goalsquare. He then hurt his A-C joint, but returned in the second quarter to provide much needed support.

Nathan Broad – 5
Played within his limitations, picking the first option when kicking and putting teammates into space. He was good enough to keep his opponent quiet but did not have any influence. 

Dan Butler – 4
Laid two big tackles late in the first quarter to bring himself into the game but he was quiet with just seven touches. His tackling pressure counted most and he finished with six tackles.

Full match details and stats

Josh Caddy – 6
Began the game brilliantly with a snap goal in the first five minutes that had the Tiger army on their feet and then handed another one off to Jason Castagna in the first quarter. Was at his usual bullocking best and his big body and experience created many loose balls inside the contest.

Jason Castagna – 6
Bounced back from the qualifying final with a lively opening. He was handed a goal but he created space and could have kicked multiple goals if he had kicked straight. Castagna ended up with 18 touches and holds his spot for the Grand Final.

Trent Cotchin – 9
Best on ground, the skipper set the tone, winning contests he had no right to win and laying energy sapping tackles on the opposition to inspire his team to victory. Any finals question marks are well behind him and the Brownlow medallist is now a great player. He now waits for the Match Review Panel to assess his concussion-inducing bump on Dylan Shiel. 

Five things we learned from Richmond v GWS

Shane Edwards – 7
Edwards is an underrated midfielder and once again his best work was unseen as he linked up and won the ball in tight when required. Although he missed a gettable snap in the first quarter, it was the only blemish as he won 10 contested possessions.

Brandon Ellis – 5
He battled to get away from Matt De Boer but when he did he created run through the middle, winning more of the ball as the game went on and restricting the Giants.

Jack Graham – 5
Inexperienced but brave he ran hard to mark and would have had a better game if he had made the most of chances in front of goal. He has another tough body over the ball and linked up well.

Shaun Grigg – 6
After a nervous start, he lifted in the second quarter and then was moved on to Kelly, keeping him quiet in the third quarter when the game was up for grabs. He is a vital cog in the midfield.

Dylan Grimes – 7
He did a great job on Toby Greene, restricting the brilliant Giant forward and provided great support to Alex Rance and David Astbury. His only blemish was a missed set shot when the game was tight in the third quarter.

Bachar Houli – 6
Kept persisting even when the ball didn't bounce his way at times in the first half. Once the game broke open he was instrumental in the Tigers maintaining momentum. He won a hard ball at a defensive stoppage late in the game that was important.

Kane Lambert – 7
Kicked the first goal of the match when he received a handball from Dustin Martin but there was more to his performance than that cameo. He won 23 disposals and four clearances to show his value, with his run along the wing late in the game a steadying moment.

Dustin Martin – 8
The champion opened the game with an exhilarating crumb that led to Lambert kicking a goal within the first minute and had Tiger fans roaring. He then broke the game open when he went forward in the third quarter kicking three goals including the opener in the last quarter. No-one can tackle him. The Tiger army was chanting his name midway through the last quarter and you could understand why.

Kamdyn McIntosh – 5
He looked a little shaky early but he never stopped putting his head over the ball and laid five tackles.

Toby Nankervis – 6
The big ruckman lifted in the third term and it made a huge difference to the Tigers. His tackle on Lachie Whitfield early in the third was a massive moment as it crushed the Giants' momentum. He was very good in the second half.

Dion Prestia – 6
More of an accumulator than a player who did anything special but he was good when required. He ended the game with 22 disposals and has become a solid midfielder at Richmond.

Alex Rance – 8
Rance was brilliant whether playing on Harrison Himmelberg or Jonathan Patton cutting off multiple attacks and turning defence into attack. The champion full back once again stood tall in defence, taking seven marks and controlling the backline.

Jack Riewoldt – 6
A quiet game but his mark and goal with less than 10 minutes remaining was the sealer, steadying any nerves and putting Richmond into the Grand Final. He was solid but didn't have many chances.

Daniel Rioli – 9
The matchwinner started the game quietly but it was clear by midway through the first quarter he was going to be dangerous. He laid two great tackles either side of quarter time and then kicked a massive running goal in the second quarter against the run of play. He then went beserk in the third quarter with two brilliant snap goals that made a Tigers' victory certain.

Jacob Townsend – 4
He kicked an opportunistic goal in the third quarter after his teammate's pressure saw him gather a loose ball near the goals. He then won a contested ball early in the last quarter when the Tigers needed to keep fighting neutralising a two on one. Laid five tackles.

Nick Vlastuin – 6
Had a quieter game in the preliminary final but his rebound from the defensive 50 was important. A very good footballer, he just did the job as required.