That's kinda silly. Richmond didn't choose the PF matchup at the against a new interstate club with little Melbourne support.
What they did though was turn out a huge passionate crowd, and that's kinda footy at it's best.
Richmond did sell out the entire mcg though.
Last 5 finals in Victoria
Richmond 2001 final vs Carlton - 83,000
Richmond 2013 final vs Carlton - 94,000 (record elimination final)
Richmond 2015 final vs N.M.F.C - 91,000
Richmond 2017 final vs Geel - 95,000 (record qualifying final record)
Richmond 2017 final vs GWS - 94,000
Last 5 finals in Victoria
Collingwood 2010 final vs western bulldogs - 66,000
Collingwood 2011 final vs west coast - 67,000
Collingwood 2011 final vs hawthorn - 87,000
Collingwood 2012 final vs Hawthorn - 85,000
Collingwood 2012 final Vs west coast - 65,000 (******* lol)
Richmond are bigger by a country mile