GEELONG
Before they bring in Jeremy Cameron, Shaun Higgins and any other trade targets, the Cats first need to address the elephant in the room.
Arresting their slides in big moments.
GOODBYE, GAZ No fairytale as footy farewells one of the greatest
Yes, it was a superb effort to make a fourth preliminary final in five years and secure a Grand Final berth for the first time since 2011.
But once again the Cats let themselves down when it mattered most.
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16:57
Dimma: 'This one's extra significant after what we went through'
A proud Damien Hardwick believes this premiership victory was more meaningful after enduring one of the toughest years the game has ever seen
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15:23
Scott: 'They were just too good for us'
An emotional Chris Scott concedes his side were overwhelmed by Richmond's system in the end and stated 'if there's a dignified way to go down, it's to the best'
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07:54
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00:27
Riewoldt's heartwarming medal reception
Jack Riewoldt receives his third premiership medal with a beautiful message attached
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01:04
One of the greatest ever says farewell, we'll miss you Gaz
Gary Ablett's illustrious career has come to an end, with the champion leaving the field for the last time to a resounding applause
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04:18
Dusty writes history with astounding third Norm
Dustin Martin could just be the greatest finals player we've ever seen after this absolutely freakish Grand Final performance that won him a third Norm Smith Medal
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00:51
Cat goes down in huge collision with teammate
A courageous mark from Sam Menegola is dampened by a worrying injury to youngster Sam Simpson, who is stretchered off the field after this incident
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00:23
Wow Dusty, you are in a league of your own
Dustin Martin all but seals a third Norm Smith Medal after this unbelievable goal inches Richmond one step closer
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00:20
Dusty activates beast mode with staggering goal
Dustin Martin gives the Tigers the lead after stunning everyone with another sensational solo goal
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00:18
Gaz inspires while quick Cats counter through Miers
Geelong was crying out for a settler and find one after a terrific team build-up presents the ball to Gryan Miers
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00:23
Martin mesmerising in a Grand Final yet again
The Tigers were desperate for a goal and their superstar obliges with a simply superb effort that only Dustin Martin could conjure
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00:24
The Little Master's stunning tricks can't be missed
Retiring champion Gary Ablett produces a moment of absolute magic with this exquisite handball
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00:33
Find out who claims gold in the Grand Final sprint
Enjoy the quickest players going head-to-head in this thrilling Colgate AFL Grand Final sprint
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00:20
Dion draws first blood for the Tigers
A clever team build-up sees Richmond snare the opening goal of the 2020 Toyota AFL Grand Final through Dion Prestia
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00:38
Footy world in shock as Ablett and Tiger helped off
An extraordinary and devastating start to the Toyota AFL Grand Final with both Gary Ablett and Nick Vlastuin forced to leave the field early following two heavy collisions
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04:49
Enjoy the stirring pre-game package for the AFL Grand Final
Check out the best bits from the Toyota AFL Grand Final's pre-game entertainment
Just like last year's preliminary final loss to Richmond, the Cats controlled the first half before they were outmuscled in the third quarter on Saturday night.
Last year they were outscored by 25 points in the third term. This time it was 17 points.
CATS PLAYER RATINGS Was age a factor as the Cats faded away?
Why wasn't anyone willing to bring it upon themselves to halt the Tigers' momentum? Where was Patrick Dangerfield at crucial centre bounces rather than anchored to the goalsquare as the Tigers got a run-on?
They're questions the Cats need to answer before they reconvene for pre-season in January, so it doesn't linger over summer.
In the qualifying final against Port Adelaide they lost the third quarter by 19 points and the final margin was only 16. In the corresponding game last year, the Pies jumped them by three goals in the opening term before losing by just 10 points.
It's a trend and it needs to be worked out if they're to lift silverware next year. - Mitch Cleary
RICHMOND
WINNING a third flag in four years, it's fair to say the Tigers don't have a lot to worry about in the near future – other than how and where they're going to celebrate.
Damien Hardwick's team has become one of the best this century with its frantic pressure-packed gameplan that has assembled an even spread of contributors around superstar Dustin Martin.
THE MOMENT With hope dangling by a thread, up stepped a superstar
And again they proved the benchmark by overpowering Geelong.
With Noah Balta, Liam Baker and Shai Bolton, Richmond has organically regenerated its list along the way.
Perhaps of most immediate concern is identifying some key-position personnel – both forward and in the ruck.
Jack Riewoldt is just days away from turning 32, and although he still contributes, the clock will expire at some stage.
TIGERS PLAYER RATINGS No passengers on the Tiger train
Toby Nankervis had a terrific finals campaign, but with Ivan Soldo (injury) and Callum Coleman-Jones (suspension) out for long periods, where is his support?
Mabior Chol is in the wings, and could help out in either, or both positions.
Beyond the athletic 23-year-old though, things are unclear.
Richmond has shown its versatility of the premiership era, able to cover for a lack of key-position personnel at different times, but it's a part of the list that warrants addressing. - Michael Whiting
