RICHMOND 14.13 (97) def BRISBANE 11.8 (74)
IT’S official – Richmond will play finals for the first time since 2001.
With Carlton suffering a 28-point loss to the Western Bulldogs, it is now impossible for the Tigers to miss the finals.
It was unlikely anyway, with games to come against Carlton, Greater Western Sydney and Essendon to come – they should start favourites in all three.
Yesterday’s clash against Brisbane was not Richmond’s best for the year; far from it. But the Tigers performed well in the first half, and held off a late charge.
The contest had a sniff of a belting early on, with Richmond dominating and the Lions struggling. Six goals to one in the opening term gave the Tigers a 29-point quarter-time lead, and they extended that to 45 points at half time.
But Richmond went silent in the third quarter as the Lions started displaying some of its best form. Tom Rockliff (34 touches) was sensational, and three goals to two behinds for the term cut the margin to 26 points.
When Pearce Hanley kicked his second goal of the game late in the fourth quarter, Brisbane trailed by 16 points.
But newly re-signed Jack Riewoldt kicked his only goal of the afternoon at the perfect time to wipe out any hopes Brisbane had of a win.
Reece Conca and Luke McGuane were the goalkickers for the Tigers with three apiece while Sam Mayes booted three for Lions.
Trent Cotchin continued his superb form with 30 touches as did Daniel Jackson (30) and Brett Deledio (29).
The Tigers sacrificed sixth place with Collingwood winning comfortably last night, while Brisbane stays in the battle for ninth.
Here are the highlights from the game:
RICHMOND 6.2 11.7 11.9 14.13 (97)
BRISBANE LIONS 1.3 4.4 7.7 11.8 (74)
GOALS
Richmond: McGuane 3, Conca 3, Vlastuin, Morris, Jackson, Grigg, Foley, Ellis, Riewoldt, White
Brisbane Lions: Mayes 3, Staker 2, Green 2, Hanley 2, Rich, Merrett
BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Conca, Houli, Ellis, Maric, Foley
Brisbane Lions: Rockiff, Hanley, Green, Mayes, Redden, Rich
INJURIES
Richmond: Chris Newman (ankle)
Brisbane Lions: Justin Clarke (shoulder), Brent Moloney (hamstring tightness)
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Robin Nahas replaced by Shane Tuck in the third quarter
Brisbane Lions: Brent Moloney replaced by Sam Docherty at half-time
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Farmer, Harris
Official crowd: 46,961 at the MCG