Afl Parade

AFL Parade: Richmond's triumph, Carlton's despair

Tigers roar to premiership glory, Blues' finals hopes dashed

Richmond have claimed their third AFL premiership in four years with a dominant 31-point win over GWS Giants in Saturday's Grand Final. The Tigers were in control from the outset, booting the first three goals of the game and never looking back. They led by 22 points at halftime and extended their advantage to 31 points at the final siren. Dustin Martin was best-on-ground for Richmond, collecting 22 disposals, 13 contested possessions, and five clearances. He was well supported by Jack Riewoldt (three goals), Dion Prestia (26 disposals), and Trent Cotchin (25 disposals). The Giants were valiant in defeat, but they were no match for a rampant Richmond outfit. Stephen Coniglio (28 disposals) and Toby Greene (two goals) were among their best, but they were unable to match the Tigers' intensity and skill. The win gives Richmond their 13th VFL/AFL premiership, moving them into outright fourth on the all-time list. It is also their second premiership under coach Damien Hardwick, who has now won three premierships in just eight seasons at the helm.

Carlton's finals hopes dashed by Bulldogs

Carlton's hopes of reaching the AFL finals were dashed on Sunday when they suffered a 52-point loss to the Western Bulldogs. The Blues were outplayed from the outset, trailing by 29 points at halftime and 52 points at the final siren. Patrick Cripps (25 disposals, 10 clearances) and Harry McKay (three goals) were among Carlton's best, but they were unable to match the Bulldogs' intensity and skill. The Bulldogs were led by Marcus Bontempelli (32 disposals, nine clearances), who was best-on-ground. He was well supported by Jack Macrae (29 disposals), Josh Dunkley (26 disposals), and Aaron Naughton (three goals). The win gives the Bulldogs their ninth win of the season and keeps them in contention for a top-four finish. It also ends Carlton's finals hopes, leaving them with a 9-13 record and in 12th position on the ladder.