Richmond have stormed into the VFL grand final, with Connor Menadue at the head of the queue of AFL players trying to catch Damien Hardwick’s attention.

Menadue led the way with 26 possessions and three goals on Saturday as the Tigers overcame a nine-point deficit early in the last quarter at North Port Oval to score a 14.15 (99) to 10.13 (73) win over Port Melbourne.

Craig McRae’s side overcame a 40-point three-quarter time deficit to win a qualifying final against Essendon a fortnight ago and they kicked the last six goals of Saturday’s contest to finish strongly again.

Richmond’s AFL side is a tough nut to crack ahead of the preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG on Friday night but Menadue, who hasn’t played at AFL level since round 13, made sure he’s at least in the mix.

“I’m really proud of Connor … he got us going with his goals and then we moved him back for the last quarter and he looked assured and set the ground up for us,” McRae said.

“He buys into the program as much as anyone.”

Noah Balta and Mabior Chol are the next ruck cabs off the rank should Toby Nankervis suffer any recurrence of the adductor issue that has dogged him in the back half of the season.

Neither smashed Hardwick’s door down – Balta had 12 possessions and Chol nine with two goals – but the fact they are still playing meaningful games while the AFL premiership campaign continues is important.

“I think they both had moments but there were a couple of opportunities missed in marking contests up forward,” McRae said.

“But they looked dangerous.

“Those guys are ready and waiting for their opportunity.”

Premiership winger Kamdyn McIntosh, who hasn’t played at AFL level since round 17, earned praise from McRae despite a 15-disposal game as he continued his difficult rebirth as a defender.

“This is probably the best Kamdyn has played with us (at VFL level) over the last few games,” the coach said.

“We put him on the wing in the second half and I think he gave us something we probably weren’t getting in the first half.

“I think he looks ready for the AFL if an opportunity presents.”

Rookie Jake Aarts’ place in the VFL grand final team is in doubt after a a high hit that left the Boroughs’ Tom O’Sullivan in hospital with suspected facial fractures.

Richmond will play either Essendon or Williamstown in the grand final.