1996, Round 4 - Richmond vs Sydney

Sydney have taken the four points in a heart stopper at Waverley Park, running over the top of Richmond with a big last quarter to record a one-point win.

Richmond led at every change and looked largely in control, but a five goal to one final term gave Sydney the edge at the final siren, winning 10.11 (71) to 9.16 (70).

Michael Gale looks downfield for the Tigers,.

The game wouldn't be without controversy though, as Richmond thought they had hit the front late in the game, only to have a goal disallowed due to the umpire deeming Matthew Richardson illegally shepherded a ball through for a goal.

This ultimately ended the Tigers hopes of three wins in a row.

The game had some spite in it, with the home crowd not taking long to show their displeasure towards Stuart Maxfield who was playing his first game in his new colours against his old side.

Every time he went near the ball he was booed, which meant there was a lot of booing as he put in an excellent game with 24 disposals and a goal.

In fact, Maxfield got off to the perfect start for his new side, booting the opening goal of the game within the first minute.

Also playing for Sydney was a young Greg Stafford, who would don the yellow and black years later.

Adding to the intrigue was that Darren Gaspar was also playing against his former side, lining up at full back against Tony Lockett which was no doubt a daunting experience for the young key defender.

The Tigers would be the side to jump out of the blocks first, booting four goals to two in the opening term, before both teams entered a bit of a stalemate in the second quarter.

Playing in his first game for the year (and his 100th for his career), key defender Scott Turner was a late inclusion for the match and got a round of applause from the Tiger faithful whenever he went near the footy.

When the rain tumbled down in the third term, both teams struggled to find the goals with inaccuracy starting to set in, and when Brendon Gale scored late in the third, Richmond looked tough to beat.

Enter Tony Lockett. Plugger kicked two goals very early in the final term to get the margin back to nine, and then two more goals in five minutes all of a sudden gave them the lead.

When Wayne Campbell soared for an unlikely pack mark and goal to put the Tigers back in front,, Tiger fans dreamed of victory, however Lockett answered almost immediately to give Sydney the lead again.

Richmond struggled to hit Richardson on the chest for most of the day, not helped by the fact that Andrew Dunkley was very good on him for most of the game.

When the aforementioned free kick against Richo occurred, Richmond still had a chance to win the game when Chris Bond had a shot from 48m out in the pocket moments later, but was unable to score.

Despite the heartbreaking loss, Richmond still had a number of great performers on the day, none more so than big improver, Mark Merenda, who was a great linking player between defence and forward where he picked up 26 disposals and two Brownlow votes.

Midfield partner Wayne Campbell was also prolific with 26 touches and a goal, while Brendon Gale was the Tigers best focal point with a couple of goals, seven marks and a great ruck combatant around the ground.

In addition to Turner's milestone of 100 games, Richmond also had another milestone with Jamie Tape playing his 50th, while Ben Harrison played his first game for the club after crossing from Carlton in the offseason.

 Stats for the game courtesy of AFL Tables

A Fighting Fury player ratings - click here for explanation

Mark Merenda	9
Brendon Gale	8
Wayne Campbell	7
Ashley Prescott	5
Nick Daffy	5
Matthew Richardson	5
Paul Broderick	4
Jamie Tape	4
Justin Charles	4
Chris Bond	4
Darren Gaspar	4
Ben Holland	4
Michael Gale	3
Matthew Rogers	2
Duncan Kellaway	2
Chris Naish	2
Scott Turner	2
Jason Torney	2
Nathan Bower	1
David Bourke	1
Ben Harrison	0