Daniel Rioli caps week from hell with game-winning goal as Richmond springs comeback
Daniel Rioli has shown just how long a week in football can be, shrugging off a week of controversy with a game-winning goal in a stunning Richmond comeback win.
After being belted by 63 points last week, Richmond found themselves 28 points behind the GWS Giants, before running out 13. 9. (87) to 12. 11. (83) winners at Marvel Stadium courtesy of a dominant seven-goal-to-three second half.
Rioli and teammate Shai Bolton were involved in an altercation at a nightclub last weekend, and while Bolton was sidelined for the clash against the Giants, Rioli was able to run out for the reigning premiers and his dribbling goal at the 28 minute mark of the fourth quarter put Richmond ahead for good.
Following his game-winning goal, Rioli said that all he wanted to do after a week filled with off-field controversy was to get on the ground and play the game.
Daniel Rioli capped a week from hell with a game-winning goal against the GWS Giants Getty
"A big week. It's good to be back out here playing footy. Playing footy blocks out everything," he told Fox Footy. "To bounce back from last week, it's been good."
"They're a quality outfit, but we had to take some risks and we did that. We knew we just had to get our contest stuff right in the middle and I thought we did that well in the quarter."
While Rioli kicked the sealer, it was three-time Norm Smith Medallist Dustin Martin who inspired Richmond's comeback with four goals to go along with 28 disposals.
"It's been a up-and-down year, but I'm just so proud of the boys," Martin told Fox Footy.
Dustin Martin was at his explosive best in the forward half of the ground with four goals and 28 disposals Getty
"We just stuck to what we knew and that was awesome, that's footy. We've just got so much belief. We've got a lot of heart and we showed that tonight."
After prevailing in a nail-biting contest last week, the Giants were unable to get the job done this week, despite four goals from the returning Jesse Hogan and a game-high 35 disposals from Jacob Hopper.
Martin was ably assisted by Liam Baker, who finished with a team-high 33 disposals to go along with three marks and six tackles in a complete performance.
Richmond will aim to get its season back on track next week, but face a tough trip to Brisbane to take on the Lions, while the Giants will host the West Coast Eagles.
