No matter what actually happened in this game and despite the fact that there was a finals berth hinging on the result this game was completely overshadowed by something that happened midweek.

There had been a guessing game going on all season about whether Richmond veteran and former captain Wayne Campbell would decide to play on for one more season and reach the 300 game milestone becoming the 4th Tiger in history to do so or whether he would decide that enough was enough and hang the boots up despite being tantalisingly close to the milestone.

On Tuesday Wayne Campbell announced that no matter what else happened this season, if Richmond made the finals or if they didn't, he was retiring at the end of the season. If Richmond happened to make the finals and go all the way to the Premiership Campbell would probably get to play 300 game, barring injury, if not he would retire on 297.

There was a lot of talk about winning this for 'Campbo' and as the game panned out they did try hard all game, but the Bulldogs are a few years further advanced than Richmond in their preparation and the gap in class and fitness showed late in the game and the Bulldogs were able to run it out and get home with a 12 point margin to keep their finals hopes alive.

Terry Wallace made a particularly telling statement in his press conference that previous Richmond administrations had traded away valuable draft picks for whatever reasons and given themselves a lop sided squad with too many old players and too many young players and not enugh in that middle age bracket of 22 - 25. It's an interesting insight into Wallace's future plans for the side.

Player review:

1. Rory Hilton, again played mostly in defence, does the job effectively, but does not hurt the opposition enough and he is not alone in that respect.

2. Darren Gaspar, did a better job than last week, but was too often exposed for height and speed.

3. Brett Deledio, not as busy as last week, but every time he gets the ball his class is obvious.

5. Troy Simmonds, one of his best games for the season. Still needs to work on accuracy when shooting for goal.

9. Wayne Campbell, although he has announced his retirement he is playing as if he's got seasons left in him.

10. Greg Stafford, returned for Adam Pattison, who pulled up sore after the Fremantle match. Initially gave the side height in attack, but didn't run the game out well.

11. Joel Bowden, completely blanketed his opponent by playing off him and drove Richmond out of defence. Having another great season.

12. Matthew Richardson, 6 goals. Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade had a whine after the game about the free kicks paid against Bulldog opponent Brian Harris, but every neutral observer agreed that the free kicks were deserved.

15. Kayne Pettifer, worked as hard as he has all season, but unless he can kick goals he's not able to make the opposition pay.

17. Kane Johnson, very busy and very good. Strong when the side needs it. Led by example.

20. Ray Hall, won his contest in defence. With the absence of Knobel forced to play as the 3rd ruck and did okay. It staggers me that so many supporters want to trade this guy, he's exactly the player that Wallace is referring to when he laments the absence of the 22 - 25 year olds. I doubt Ray will be going anywhere for a while yet.

21. Shane Tuck, best afield for Richmond. Went in hard, got plenty of damaging possession and seemed to be everywhere for the entire game.

23. Daniel Jackson, didn't get many minutes, but was good with what he got, he's developed into a big unit, if he can improve his disposal and decision making he will hurt sides in the future.

24. Mark Coughlan, tough and hard, was cut out of it early, but lifted when he was needed after the first quarter.

30. Richard Tambling, I know he's had ainjury interrupted season, but this game concerned me. What time Tambling spent on the ground was in the forward pocket at Richo's feet. That's tailor made for him, yet he still couldn't get the ball or do anything with it. I hope an injury free pre season can add some muscle to his frame and some speed into those legs.

31. Chris Hyde, seems to have plateaued. Hard to see him progressing much further.

32. Greg Tivendale, why does he still get games? He won't kick, despite having one of the best left foots in the game. This reluctance led him to handball to a team mate under the gun, the ball was turned and over the Bulldogs kicked a goal. Thanks for that, Greg. Luckily he injured himself soon after and spent the rest of game off the field.

33. Brent Hartigan, played again in the midfield and won most of the contests there. Very promsing smaller player with a hard nosed attitude.

34. Mark Graham, came in due to injury to other players. Really just made up the numbers.

35. Chris Newman, although he got plenty of the ball and was dangerous for the Bulldogs on the kickout he was beaten overall by his opponent.

40. Kelvin Moore, played forward mostly again and did better than last week, although he did narrowly miss what would have been a valuable goal. Went back to defence late in the game.

41. Nathan Foley, despite his size plenty of courage and strength, not as slow as many claim either.