The Brisbane Lions VFL put on a confident team display against Richmond VFL on Sunday to put themselves in the box seat to secure a top-two position on the Smithy’s VFL ladder.  

With an even spread of contributors across the ground, the Lions held on in gusty conditions to secure the 25-point win against the 9th placed Richmond. 

In a match that had five lead changes and the Lions trailing by a point at the final change, the Queenslanders gritted their teeth and put on a four goal to none fourth quarter to snatch victory from the Tigers.  

Ryan Lester was influential in the win, gathering 23 disposals, eight inside 50s and seven tackles. 

The versatile defender even drifted forward for two goals of his own, one of nine contributors on goal in the win. 

Victorian recruit Mitch Cox managed to get on the end of two goals with Blake Coleman, Jimmy Madden, Harry Sharp, Henry Smith and Toby Triffett all managing to find one goal each. 

First-year players Kai Lohmann, Darcy Wilmot and Jimmy Tunstill gave Lions fans plenty to be excited about with the trio all among the Lions’ best on Sunday.  

Lohmann starred early on for the Lions, putting up two goals in the first half before going on to finish with 22 disposals, 11 marks, two goals and two behinds. 

The blustering conditions didn’t seem to faze Wilmot who used the football superbly on the weekend, including booting a 60-metre stunner in the second term to keep the Lions on pace with the Tigers. 

Tunstill recorded a game-high 29 disposals, as well as six marks, six clearances and five inside 50s, in one of his strongest VFL performances this season. 

With just three home and away games left until the Smithy’s VFL Finals Series, the Lions’ sights are set on a top two position as they enter Round 20 a game in hand over the second-placed Southport. 

The Brisbane Lions VFL will face Werribee VFL on Saturday at 11:05am at the Moreton Bay Sporting Complex.