ACCIDENTAL forward Jacob Townsend has been named the biggest surprise packet of Richmond's incredible year. 

Townsend played the last five matches of the season to finish the year with 16 goals from 32 kicks.

He earned the nod as Tiger fans gave their verdict on their drought-breaking season in an AFL.com.au survey.

Approval ratings of coach Damien Hardwick rose from 91 per cent mid-season to a resounding 98 per cent at the season's end. 

In news that would shock virtually no one, fans named Brownlow medallist Dustin Martin the player of the season, amassing a mammoth 82 per cent of the vote.

Here are the full survey results, as well as a selection of Tiger fans' memories of Grand Final day and beyond.

I knew we'd won the flag when ...

Dan Butler fluked the best sausage of the day from the pocket in the final quarter and Benny Gale burst into tears.
- Paddy Grinlay, Woodend Vic

About the 18-minute mark of the last quarter. We kicked a goal, stopping Adelaide's two-goal sequence. It was game over!
- Stuart Hayes, Port Melbourne Vic

Jack Graham kicked his third goal. Cool as a cucumber, that bloke.
- Ben Zagami, Heidelberg West, Vic

About three days later when it all sunk in.
- Jarrad Baker, Adelaide SA

What was the other moment you'll remember?

Beating Geelong in the first final. Very special.
- Jim Soloman, Narre Warren Vic

Kane Lambert's first goal against GWS. I knew we were going to the Grand Final after seeing that.
- John Smith, Melbourne Vic

The crowd chanting "Richo" when he presented the cup.
- Brock Heeney, Baldivis WA

Jack and the Killers.
- Harry Thompson, Campbelltown NSW

Tiger fans' season rating

9.6/10

Read more

Season review: Richmond

More season reviews at the Wash-Up

Your club's season in a haiku