Geelong vs Richmond: A Rivalry For The Ages




The Geelong Cats and the Richmond Tigers are two of the most successful and storied clubs in the history of the Australian Football League (AFL). The two clubs have met in 15 Grand Finals, with Geelong winning nine and Richmond winning six. The rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in the AFL, and is often referred to as the "Battle of Britain".
The rivalry dates back to the early days of the VFL, when both clubs were based in Melbourne. The first match between the two clubs was played in 1887, and was won by Geelong by 16 points. The rivalry quickly became one of the most bitter in the league, and was often marred by violence.
In the early 1900s, the rivalry reached its peak. The two clubs met in the Grand Final every year from 1908 to 1914, with Geelong winning four and Richmond winning three. The matches were often close and hard-fought, and the atmosphere was electric.
The rivalry continued to be fierce in the decades that followed, with both clubs winning multiple premierships. In recent years, the rivalry has been somewhat subdued, but it remains one of the most intense and passionate in the AFL.
The Geelong vs Richmond rivalry is more than just a football rivalry. It is a cultural rivalry, and a rivalry that is deeply embedded in the history of Victoria. The two clubs represent different parts of the state, and different ways of life. Geelong is a working-class city, while Richmond is a more affluent suburb. Geelong is a traditional AFL stronghold, while Richmond is a newer club with a more diverse fan base.
The rivalry between the two clubs is a reflection of the rivalry between the two cities. It is a rivalry that is fought on the field, but it is also a rivalry that is fought in the streets and in the pubs. It is a rivalry that is as old as the state of Victoria itself, and it is a rivalry that is likely to continue for many years to come.
Here are some of the most memorable moments in the Geelong vs Richmond rivalry:
* In 1953, Geelong and Richmond met in the Grand Final. The match was a close and hard-fought affair, and was eventually won by Geelong by two points. The match is often considered to be one of the greatest Grand Finals of all time.
* In 1980, Geelong and Richmond met in the Grand Final again. This time, Richmond was victorious, winning by 81 points. The match was a one-sided affair, and was the Tigers' first premiership in 35 years.
* In 2011, Geelong and Richmond met in the Preliminary Final. The match was a classic, and was eventually won by Geelong by five points. The match is often considered to be one of the greatest Preliminary Finals of all time.
The Geelong vs Richmond rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in the AFL. It is a rivalry that has been fought on the field, in the streets, and in the pubs. It is a rivalry that is as old as the state of Victoria itself, and it is a rivalry that is likely to continue for many years to come.