Breaking Down Richmond's Three Premierships: 2017, 2019, 2020
Introduction: The Foundation of a Modern Powerhouse
For the Richmond Football Club, the 37-year premiership drought that stretched from 1980 to 2017 was more than a statistic; it was a defining narrative. It shaped the identity of the club, its legion of loyal supporters, and the very fabric of Punt Road Oval. The breaking of that drought in 2017 did not merely deliver a single flag; it ignited a dynasty era that would see the Yellow and Black ascend to the pinnacle of the modern AFL. Securing three premierships in four seasons—2017, 2019, and 2020—transformed Richmond from a club of unfulfilled potential into a modern powerhouse. This comprehensive breakdown examines not just the outcomes, but the distinct journeys, tactical evolutions, and defining moments of each triumph. Understanding these three flags is essential to appreciating the scale of Richmond's prestige and its permanent impact on the AFL landscape, a theme explored in our broader analysis of the club's dynasty impact and legacy.
The 2017 Premiership: Breaking the Drought
The Context and the Catalyst
Entering the 2017 season, external expectations for Richmond were tempered. Yet, internally, a revolution was underway. Coach Damien Hardwick had fundamentally reinvented the team’s game plan, moving from a contested possession-focused style to a system built on relentless pressure, chaotic forward-half turnovers, and breathtaking speed on the counter-attack. This system, perfectly tailored to the vast expanses of the Melbourne Cricket Ground, turned the Tigers into an unpredictable and overwhelming force.
The Finals Campaign: A Torrent of Momentum
The Tigers finished the home-and-away season in third place, but their September run was a display of sheer will and system-wide execution. The Qualifying Final victory over Geelong at the MCG was a statement, built on pressure and key goals from Jack Riewoldt. A preliminary final win against Greater Western Sydney sent a thunderous Yellow and Black tide of belief towards the grand final.
The Grand Final: A Day of Destiny
The 2017 AFL Grand Final was a coronation. Facing the Adelaide Crows, Richmond’s pressure was historically intense, recording a then-record 109 tackles. Alex Rance marshalled a defiant defence, while Bachar Houli provided sublime drive from half-back. However, the day belonged to Dustin Martin. His performance—26 disposals, two goals, and six clearances—was a masterpiece of power and precision, earning him the first of his three Norm Smith Medals. Captain Trent Cotchin led with ferocious intent, setting the standard from the first bounce. The 48-point victory was more than a win; it was a cathartic release, the shattering of a generations-long wait, and the birth of a new era for RFC.
The 2019 Premiership: Cementing the Dynasty
Proving 2017 Was No Fluke
The 2018 season ended in a preliminary final disappointment, raising questions about the sustainability of Richmond’s game plan. The response in 2019 was emphatic. After a middling start to the season beset by injury, the Tigers found their ruthless best when it mattered most. The return of key personnel and a deepening of their system under Hardwick showcased a more versatile and resilient unit.
Overcoming Adversity
This campaign was defined by resilience. The loss of Alex Rance to a knee injury in Round 1 could have been catastrophic. Instead, it became the catalyst for others to rise. Dylan Grimes and David Astbury elevated their games, while the midfield brigade, led by Cotchin and the consistently brilliant Dion Prestia, took control. Dustin Martin, now a permanent threat in the forward half, continued to defy conventional tactics.
The Grand Final Dominance
The 2019 AFL Grand Final against Greater Western Sydney was a display of utter supremacy, the most lopsided decider in over half a century. From the outset, Richmond’s pressure was suffocating. The Giants were held to a record-low score in a grand final. Dustin Martin was again unstoppable, claiming his second Norm Smith Medal with 22 disposals and four goals. Jack Riewoldt kicked five, and Bachar Houli was impeccable. The 89-point victory was a chilling message to the competition: Richmond’s system, culture, and belief were now a self-sustaining machine. They were not just premiers; they were back-to-back champions, a true hallmark of a dynasty era.
The 2020 Premiership: The Unprecedented Triumph
A Season Like No Other
The 2020 season presented challenges beyond football. Conducted in biosecurity hubs during a global pandemic, it was a mental and physical marathon. For Richmond, it was the ultimate test of their famed connection and system. The Yellow and Black adapted where others faltered, using the adversity to strengthen their bond.
The Road to the Gabba
Richmond’s path was not smooth, with inconsistent form through the middle of the shortened season. However, as finals approached, their trademark September intensity resurfaced. A hard-fought Qualifying Final win over Brisbane was followed by a commanding preliminary final victory against Port Adelaide, setting the stage for a grand final against Geelong at the Gabba—a venue far from their beloved MCG.
The Grand Final Masterclass
The 2020 AFL Grand Final was a tactical and psychological triumph. Against a seasoned Geelong team, Richmond withstood early pressure before systematically dismantling their opponent. Dustin Martin delivered one of the great individual grand final performances, securing an unprecedented third Norm Smith Medal with 21 disposals and four goals, including two in a decisive third-quarter burst. Shai Bolton electrified, and Jayden Short controlled play from defence. The 31-point win secured the three-peat, a feat achieved only once before in the modern AFL era. It was a victory forged in resilience, proving that Richmond’s system and culture could transcend any circumstance, solidifying their place among the all-time great teams.
Comparative Analysis: Evolution of a Champion
Tactical Refinements Across Three Campaigns
While the core tenets of pressure and territory remained, Richmond’s game plan evolved intelligently across the three flags.
2017: The introduction. A frenetic, high-octane system focused on creating chaos and scoring from turnovers. It was revolutionary and overwhelming.
2019: The maturation. Greater control in the midfield, more structured ball movement to complement the chaos, and a devastatingly efficient forward line. The system could win in multiple ways.
2020: The distillation. In a compromised season, the Tigers honed their game to its most resilient essentials. They became masters of winning "the Richmond way" regardless of opponent, venue, or external pressure.
Key Player Roles and Evolution
The contributions of key figures evolved with the team’s needs:
Dustin Martin: Transcended from superstar (2017) to system-defining weapon (2019) to immortal legend (2020).
Trent Cotchin: Evolved from a prolific ball-winner to the ultimate selfless leader, whose physical pressure and sacrifice set the cultural standard.
Jack Riewoldt: Transformed from the primary focal point to a brilliant structural and defensive forward, enabling the small forward system to thrive.
Defensive Unit: The loss of Alex Rance in 2019 forced a collective, system-based defence to emerge, which became even more robust by 2020.
The Defining Moments and Lasting Legacy
Each premiership was punctuated by moments that have become part of Richmond folklore:
2019: Marlion Pickett's fairytale debut in the grand final, symbolising the club's trust and unity.
2020: Dustin Martin's third-quarter goal from the boundary line against Geelong, the exclamation point on the three-peat.
The legacy of these three flags is profound. They redefined what was possible for the Richmond Football Club, transforming its culture from one of hope to one of expectation. They validated the vision of Damien Hardwick and the leadership of Trent Cotchin. They created icons like Dustin Martin and cemented the status of warriors like Jack Riewoldt and Bachar Houli. Most importantly, they forged an unbreakable connection between the team and its supporters, a bond forged in shared adversity and ultimate triumph.
Conclusion: The Pillars of a Golden Era
The breakdown of Richmond's three premierships reveals a story of continuous growth, resilience, and tactical brilliance. The 2017 flag was the breakthrough, an explosion of pent-up energy and a new system. The 2019 flag was the confirmation, a display of ruthless dominance that silenced all doubters. The 2020 flag was the ultimate validation, proving the system and culture were strong enough to conquer unprecedented challenges and secure a three-peat.
Together, these premierships are the inseparable pillars of Richmond's golden era. They represent more than silverware; they represent a philosophy, a connection, and a standard of excellence that has permanently elevated the Yellow and Black. The journey from drought to dynasty is a central chapter in the club's history, the full impact of which is detailed in our central hub on the dynasty impact and legacy of this extraordinary team.
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