AFL grand final: Richmond beat Adelaide in remarkable turnaround

Josh Caddy, Brandon Ellis and Dustin Martin of the Tigers celebrate winning the 2017 AFL Grand Final. Photo / Getty

Richmond has completed the greatest 12-month turnaround in AFL history.

After falling to 13th on the ladder in 2016, the Tigers have secured their first premiership in 37 years as they put the Crows to the sword on grand final day.

"You just wouldn't have thought this was possible in the position they were in last year," Seven commentator Brian Taylor said.

"This really is a fairytale."

Tears flowed freely - both in the stands and on the field - as the Tiger Army roared "Yellow and Black" on repeat.

"Today's performance echoes what we've been about all year - (getting) 22 contributors," Richmond captain Trent Cotchin said.

The emotion spilled over in forward Jack Riewoldt's on-field interview with Richmond legend Matthew Richardson on Channel 7.

"We finished 13th on the ladder last season, lost the last game by 110 points - and now we're f***ing premiers," Riewoldt said.

"You can say whatever you want, mate," Richardson replied.

After trailing by 11 points at quarter time the Tigers dominated the rest of the match, winning 16.12 (108) to 8.12 (60).

Dustin Martin capped what now must be viewed as the greatest individual season in the history of the game by claiming the Norm Smith Medal.

Five days after claiming the Brownlow Medal, Martin was given the nod ahead of teammates Bachar Houli and Alex Rance for a 28-disposal, two-goal masterclass.

Martin's a high school drop-out from a broken home, whose father Shane Martin is a former bikie gang member now living - under protest - in New Zealand after being deported from Australia.

Despite not having the support of his father in the crowd, Martin said: "I cannot believe it. It's a dream come true. Best thing in the world."

Tigers skipper Trent Cotchin said of Martin: "Dusty is special but all the guys have been outstanding."