Richmond has beaten the odds to knock off the previously undefeated Brisbane Lions, in a statement win by four points at the Swinburne Centre.
Brisbane – who came into the game with a percentage of 322 – has comprehensively blown sides out of the water this season, but the Tigers showed nerves of steel in the 2.6 (18) to 1.8 (14) triumph.
The game was heavily affected by a swirling breeze to the Punt Road end, but both Brisbane and Richmond failed to capitalise on their respective advantages in the first and second quarters.
The tall forwards had their moments in the sun in the first half, with Tiger Courtney Wakefield saluting against the wind and Lion Taylor Smith capitalising at the other end, but it was small teammate Greta Bodey who looked most threatening.
Richmond hung on grimly in the last quarter as Brisbane kept coming again and again, regardless of the fact it was kicking against the wind, with inaccuracy ultimately costing the Lions.
Belle Dawes put on another great performance as she tried to inspire her side to victory. The tenacious midfielder recording 23 disposals, seven clearances and 350 meters gained.
Up next
Brisbane will be looking to get back on the winners list against Essendon at Moreton Bay.
RICHMOND 1.0 1.3 2.4 2.6 (18)
BRISBANE 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.8 (14)
GOALS
Richmond: Wakefield 2
Brisbane: Smith
BEST
Richmond: Conti, Shevlin, Sheerin, McKenzie, Seymour, Wakefield
Brisbane: Dawes, Bates, Svarc, Conway, Koenen
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Brisbane: Nil
