A significant milestone was on the cards for the Richmond Tigers at the MCG on a fine late Autumn Sunday afternoon. A win against the old enemy Collingwood would be Richmond's 1,000th win since they entered the VFL/AFL. It was also fitting that it would come against a traditional suburban rival with a long history. It was said that the legendary Jack 'Captain Blood' Dyer had such an intense dislike for Collingwood that he would not even have a black and white TV!

In terms of build up the two sides could not have been more different. Richmond had thrashed Carlton by 85 points and had all it's big guns firing, although the loss of Greg Stafford was a slight setback, however even that had an upside, because it allowed the Tigers 4th draft pick and 16th overall in the 2004 draft young ruckman/key position player Adam Pattison to make his senior debut. Collingwood on the other hand had been decimated by injury, losing spearhead Chris Tarrant before the game to add to their large list of hurt players. They had travelled to the West the previous week and suffered a 112 point hiding at the hands of Fremantle. The media scrutiny all week had been savage and intense.

The Tigers seemed strangely flat at the beginning of the game and had trouble matching it with the inexperienced and undermanned Magpies, although an injection of youth had given the Pies an edge in speed. Their greater endeavour gave them a 12 point lead at the first change and Richmond were lucky that it wasn't more, although the disallowed goal to Matthew Richardson would have tightened things up a little.

The second quarter turned the game into an arm wrestle. Collingwood were unable to extend their lead and with Nathan Brown well held and Matthew Richardson struggling with a knee injury the Tigers were unable to reel it in. The Pies by 13 points at the long break and the game was on.

A more fired up Richmond ran out after the half. Greg Tivendale in particular was a ball magnet, unfortunately he wasted most of his possessions. Some genuine spite entered the contest. One of the Cloke brothers took on Brett Deledio and the number 1 draft pick refused to take a backward step standing up to his bigger, stronger opponent to the extent that the second Cloke brother felt it necessary to help his brother out. Cameron Cloke tried to elbow Ray Hall in the head and big Ray gave him a punch that was more of a push in the face, nevertheless he sent the big Magpie to the turf and he was taken to the bench. The Pies hung onto a 10 point lead.

There are certain players who live for these moments. Those times when the game is in the balance and it takes a special effort to win it. Nathan Brown is one such player. Early in the last quarter Kane Johnson and Mark Coughlan not only broke the shackles that their opponents had put on them, they began to deliver the ball with authority into the forward line. Nathan Brown had been well beaten by James Clement up to this point and now he lifted. He was everywhere in the forward line, taking marks, making contests, soccering miracle goals through. His third for the quarter put Richmond in the lead, goals to Mark Coughlan, Richard Tambling and Joel Bowden put the result beyond doubt. Brown finished with 5 goals, all kicked in the last quarter. Richmond recorded their 1000th win, a 35 point result against the old enemy Collingwood.

Next week Richmond hit the road to the Gabba. Bring on those Lions!

Player review:

2. Darren Gaspar, seemed a little lost in the first quarter without his usual Collingwood opponent Chris Tarrant. After that we never heard another thing from his opposite number Walker so he once again did the job.

3. Brett Deledio, a little quieter this week, didn't really get into the game until the third quarter, was heartening to see him stand his ground against the bigger man in Travis Cloke.

5. Troy Simmonds, took on the Greg Stafford role of the second big forward, has now started to hold his marks, just has to convert his shots into goals.

6. Mark Chaffey, again rarely sighted and shaded by his opponent Alan Didak. Unless he can consistently play at the level he did against Fremantle and Port Adelaide he will not hold his spot.

7. Nathan Brown, there are not enough superlatives to describe the marvelous Nathan Brown. A 5 goal last quarter won the game. The word superstar is thrown about a lot these days and doesn't always fit the player it is applied to. Brown deserves the tag.

9. Wayne Campbell, a calm, experienced player. The veteran is playing well enough to have people wondering if we won't play another season after this one and reach the magical 300 games.

11. Joel Bowden, again swept it beautifully from half back, delivered it powerfully into the forward line and kicked the goal that sealed the game.

12. Matthew Richardson, only able to kick one goal, although one was judged a point when it was really a goal. Hampered by a minor knee injury

13. Trent Knobel, very underrated. Gives his midfield first use of the ball and is now taking marks around the ground as well. May be needed in defence next week.

15. Kayne Pettifer, took until the second half to find his feet, no goals this week, but at least two can be directly attributed to him.

17. Kane Johnson, with two weeks under his belt adds genuine bite to the midfield. With Hyde to come back the middle of the ground is really improving for the Tigers.

20. Ray Hall, put in a couple of wonderful efforts and his long kicks are lovely to watch. Will unfortunately miss a couple of weeks for the hit on Cameron Cloke.

21. Shane Tuck, not as prolific as he has been just recently, although what possessions he got were used well. A vaulable contributor and learning every week.

22. Danny Meyer, this kid's balance and pinpoint kicking are something we've waited for a long time at Richmond.

24. Mark Coughlan, another best on ground performance, although Nathan Brown kicked the goals, someone had to get it there and it was Coughlan.

26. Adam Pattison, not the worst of debuts, unlucky not to join the goal with first kick club and although he did not get a lot of game time didn't look out of place.

27. Andrew Krakouer, does a lot of the one percenters that don't get noticed, gift wrapped a goal to his mate Tambling.

30. Richard Tambling, quick hands and feet, they go with the quick mind. Made a mistake at one point and immediately forced his way back into the contest and made up for it. Kicked his first goals at this level. They won't be the last ones.

32. Greg Tivendale, picked up a lot of the ball, but his delivery was woeful for three quarters, did redeem himself somewhat in the last quarter.

34. Mark Graham, forced to play the unaccustomed role of key forward in the second quarter and wasn't entirely uncomfortable with it. He's been a good gamble.

35. Chris Newman, although he hasn't been mentioned a lot he was our best defender. Destroyed his opponent, stopped forward thrusts and drove his side into attack.

39. Andrew Kellaway, again the courage in backing into packs for marks is breathtaking and his desperation in stopping the ball on the last line of defence was inspirational. Along with Gaspar may get another All Australian selection this year.