Round 18 – Hawthorn v Richmond: Lids lights up the G as the Tiges defy the odds and defeat the reigning Premiers

7:50pm, Friday 31 August 2015
Melbourne Cricket Ground, Jolimont

My heart will always beat true for St Kilda but there is no denying that I have always had a soft spot for Richmond. This became abundantly clear to me on Friday night as I watched the tenacious Tigers bring the seemingly unstoppable Hawks’ winning streak to an end.

On the final day of Damien Hardwick’s proclaimed ‘Big-Boy July’, the Richmond boys used the stinging disappointment of last week’s loss against Freemantle to spur them on to an inspirational victory over Hawthorn by 18 points. Aside from my beloved Saints miraculous 110 point annihilation of the Bombers in Round 14, this would have to be one of the best wins of the year – especially since it now brings Richmond back into serious Finals contention.

When I was growing up in the 70s and 80s Richmond was a very successful club, much like the Hawks of today, notching up four flags in that decade culminating in their tenth and last Premiership win in 1980. I remember that VFL Grand Final only too well as Kevin Bartlett bagged an impressive 7 goals and won the Norm Smith Medal in the 81 point victory over Collingwood.

On Friday night once again they showed the relentless pressure ‘like the Tigers of old’ and impressively  managed to keep this year’s Premiership favourites goalless in both the first and third quarters which is no small feat given the Hawks’ recent goal kicking prowess.

Brett Deledio fully deserved to be awarded best on ground kicking four goals and yet again racking up possessions.

This week I pay tribute to ‘Lids’ in song.

De-Deledio
Sung to the tune of “Sussudio” by Phil Collins (1985)

There’s this guy that’s been on my mind
For many years, De-Deledio oh oh
Now he don’t even know my name
But I think he’d like me just the same
De-Deledio oh oh

Oh if he called me I’d be there
I’d come running anywhere
He’s all the Tiges need, as good as Fyfe
I feel so good if I just say the word
De-Deledio, just say the word
Oh De-Deledio

Now I know he is still young
Fatherhood for him has begun
De-Deledio oh oh
Ooh give Tiges a chance, give them a sign
You’ll show form anytime
De-Deledio oh oh

Ah, Tiges just have to have him, have him now
Finals are getting closer and I know exactly how
It makes fans nervous and makes them scared
But I feel so good if I just say the word
De-Deledio just say the word
Oh De-Deledio, oh

Ah, he’s got a very lucky wife
I feel so good if I just say the word
De-Deledio I just say the word
Oh De-Deledio I just say the word
Oh De-Deledio I’ll say the word
De-Deledio oh oh oh
Just say the word

HAWTHORN    0.3    5.6    5.8    7.11 (53)
RICHMOND     3.4    5.4    8.8    10.11 (71)

GOALS
Hawthorn:
Gunston 3, Puopolo 2, Schoenmakers, Rioli
Richmond: Deledio 4, Riewoldt, McIntosh, Vickery, Houli, Lambert, Lloyd

MY BEST

Melbourne 3 – Jordan Lewis  2- Sam Mitchell 1- Grant Birchall
Richmond 3 – Brett Deledio 2 – Anthony Miles 1- Trent Cotchin

Reports: James Frawley (Haw) for rough conduct against Jack Riewoldt (Rich) in the second quarter
Umpires: Dalgleish, Stevic, Chamberlain
Official crowd: 66,305

About Jennifer Muirden

Jennifer Muirden has been a keen St Kilda supporter since 1978 and fondly remembers her childhood Saturdays spent at Linton Street, Moorabbin. In her lifetime she hopes to experience the Saints second Premiership.

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