The Tigers look close to irrepressible. In Martin, Cotchin, Rance and Jack Riewoldt, they have leaders who appear capable of standing up when needed, and the win over the Cats will have eased nerves, and exorcised some September demons.
Still, this is uncharted territory for them. As shown by their response to the debate about a possible grand final jumper clash with Adelaide, Richmond are wary of getting ahead of themselves, even if that cannot be said of all of their supporters. The question of whether two weeks off in the past month will have a detrimental impact is also legitimate given last year's qualifying final winners, Geelong and GWS, were preliminary final losers in what was the first season of the post round-23 bye.
Things have not been plain sailing for GWS this year, but even when somewhat depleted they have quality players. The pain of last year's preliminary final loss to the Western Bulldogs should also act as a spur. Although a young club, the Giants know what finals heartbreak feels like. That won't be enough to stop the men from Punt Road though, who look destined for greatness. Richmond by 27 points
