GEELONG has stormed home with six goals to one in the final quarter to defeat an unlucky Richmond by four points in a thriller at the MCG on Sunday.

The Houdini-like escape keeps the Cats’ top-four aspirations on track and sets it up for a premiership tilt.

After kicking just four goals in the first three quarters, despite dominating the inside 50s, the Cats came alight in the final quarter, playing on at all costs and turning the game on its head.

Geelong kicked an extraordinary 10.22 (82) to Richmond's 12.6 (78) and is now a game clear inside the top four.

Lincoln McCarthy was inspiring, clean and full of running while Patrick Dangerfield began winning vital centre clearances.

Geelong ended the game with its noses just in front despite winning the inside 50 count 66-39.

Harry Taylor, in his 200th game, put Geelong in front with five minutes remaining after receiving a free kick in front of goal.

Tom Hawkins then kicked his first goal to give Geelong some breathing space.

The Cats hung on with Richmond deep in attack after Tyrone Vickery kicked a goal for the Tigers with just 21 seconds remaining.

Scott Selwood played well for Geelong and won a vital one-on-one against Jack Riewoldt late in the game that led to a Steven Motlop goal and kept the Cats' hopes alive.

It was a magnificent fightback as the Cats kicked just two goals to Richmond's nine in the second and third quarter.

ROUND 21, 2016

RICHMOND  2.4  7.4  11.6   12.6   (78) 
GEELONG     2.2  3.7  4.13  10.22  (82)

GOALS
Richmond: Lloyd 3, Rioli 2, Vickery 2, Edwards, Hampson, Lennon, Riewoldt, Grigg
Geelong: McCarthy 2, Menegola 2, Smith, J.Selwood, Caddy, Motlop, Taylor, Hawkins

BEST 
Richmond: Rance, Martin, Lloyd, Houli, Grigg, Ellis, T.Hunt
Geelong: J.Selwood, S.Selwood, Dangerfield, Guthrie, Menegola, McCarthy

INJURIES 
Richmond: Hampson (cut head)
Geelong: Cowan (cut head)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Donlon, O'Gorman, Hosking

Official crowd: 45,667 at the MCG