It took just 16 minutes to tell us what we already knew. Richmond have reverted to being an unworthy potential finalist.
With their seasons on the line – both are 6-7 though the Tigers have an inferior percentage – Port Adelaide was able to unmercifully stun Richmond with seven goals straight during a defining second quarter to win this crucial contest at Adelaide Oval by 38 points.
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FootyFix: Can the Doggies upset the Swans again?
Rohan Connolly previews all the footy action ahead of round 15 in the AFL.
Season 2016 is all but over for Richmond, and a lot of failed politicians will find out within 24 hours what it's like to be one of them – not being able to deliver on months of selection promises.
Port's gritty and definitely not pretty win leaves them two wins plus hefty percentage behind the top eight, and with eight rounds remaining their finals chances remain tough, but at least they are a chance. They did whatever it took to win this game; they were bullies and they bulldozed through packs, they intimidated and forced their opponents into countless mistakes under pressure.
Kane Mitchell seemed to be elevated from the rookie list mid-week with a clear mission to aggravate Trent Cotchin, and Brad Ebert wasn't afraid to "mix it" with Dustin Martin, and it had impact. But these consistently brilliant Tigers should have been too smart for that.
Yet, for all this second-quarter dominance – 7.0 to 2.0, which was remarkable accuracy in steady rain – the incredibly loyal, drenched and loud Power fans among the relatively excellent crowd of 37,848 must have surely pondered what if their team had played with such ferocity all season?
Conversely, for Richmond to fold when tenacity was a pre-requisite in this battle was unforgiving. Given the early conditions, no one expected a high level of skills, and significantly for most part Port's disposal efficiency was lower, but through determination they were able to muster quality link-play and forced the ball forward.
Both teams struggled across their half-forward lines, particularly the first half, and there were times when Richmond set up well expecting the ball to slip out of hands at the contested marks, but then wasted their opportunities with turnovers and poor disposals even allowing for the conditions.
Significantly, Ivan Maric, earning only his third game this season, dominated Port's Jackson Trengove 34-11 with the taps up to three-quarter time, but Maric had not recorded a disposal while Trengove had far greater impact with contested possessions and clearances. Importantly, the makeshift ruckman brought Port's midfielders well into the game, including Travis Boak, Robbie Gray, Ollie Wines and Ebert, who combined well and had strong influence as a unit for one of the few times this season.
Despite setting up the win with a great seven-goal second term in the rain, Port left the gate to September open with only a 23-point lead. The rain eased and there was belief Richmond could only lift its work ethic. But it was not enough.
There was no doubt Richmond responded to the urgent call, but they lacked accuracy and faltered under great pressure from Port's defence, which was a credit considering Jack Hombsch (quad) was a late withdrawal and replaced by Tom Clurey playing jut his 10th AFL game in four seasons at the club.
Good on the Tigers for battling to the end; credit to Jack Riewoldt for his two terrific goals to get his side within 17 points late in the third term. But it's not what their fans need to hear. The fact is their loyalists have sat at home six Thursday or Friday nights this season and watched them lose five of these national audience TV games. Another message the Tigers still can't perform on the big stage.
Port's performance was sound, clearly based on good old fashioned effort in testing, slippery conditions. However, the polls clearly show the top-eight opposition have the necessary numbers. The next three weeks will test Port against Hawthorn at home, North Melbourne (Etihad) and GWS Giants (home). Later, the Power play Sydney away and the Crows.Â