The Brisbane Lions had no answers as Richmond won its 4th straight game in its best start to a season in 22 years at the Gabba on Sunday.
The Tigers are now 4-0 for the first time since 1995 and continue to set the competition pace alongside Adelaide after a comfortable 17.17 (119) to 10.6 (67) victory.
An unanswered five goal burst early in the second quarter blew the game apart, giving Richmond a 43-point lead they never looked like relinquishing.
The Lions steadied to win the 3rd quarter but it could not stop the Tigers' 10th straight win over Brisbane, continuing an unbeaten streak at the Gabba that dates back to 2004.
Unlike the Tigers’ first three victories of the year, there was almost no reliance on white-hot Dustin Martin, who was held to just 16 disposals by Mitch Robinson.
While Robinson had the better of the battle, he got some help from skipper Dayne Beams, who manned Martin at stoppages, and Darcy Gardiner, who had the responsibility when he went forward.
The Lions won some key statistics including clearances (43-30), stoppages (27-16) and disposals (360-337) but the Tigers got contributions from all over the field in a fine team effort.
Shaun Grigg (30 disposals) was busy, Dion Prestia (22) continued his impressive transition from Gold Coast, and Trent Cotchin (20 and one goal) – although not super prolific – was a class above with his skills.
Jack Riewoldt was tireless, kicking four goals in an intriguing duel with Harris Andrews, the fourth of which will surely contend for Goal of the Year as he threaded the needle with a left-foot pearler from deep in the left forward pocket.
Jason Castagna also added four goals, while youngster Daniel Rioli was also magnificent, kicking two and handing off another to Dan Butler late in the third term to snuff out a small Lions surge.
Richmond set its win up in the first half with slick ball movement – it was the defining difference between the teams.
Castagna's first goal was a perfect example as they swept the ball from one to the other without it touching the grass.
For the Lions it marked the third week in a row they were out-gunned in the opening half, but unlike previous weeks against Essendon and St Kilda, this time there would be no fightback.
They were sluggish for much of the night and to add insult to the problems, running defender Tom Cutler sustained a hamstring injury in the first quarter and did not return.
Tom Rockliff finished with 33 disposals and a career-high 15 clearances and was his team's best player, while Stefan Martin (18 touches and 52 hit-outs) was a monster in the ruck.
BRISBANE LIONS 3.2 4.3 8.6 10.6 (67)
RICHMOND 5.6 10.9 13.14 17.17 (119)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Hipwood 2, Zorko 2, D. Beams 2, Bell, Schache, Taylor, Robinson
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Castagna 4, Rioli 2, Grimes, Nankervis, Menadue, Cotchin, Grigg, Caddy, Butler
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Rockliff, Martin, Robinson, Mayes, D. Beams, Gardiner
Richmond: Cotchin, Riewoldt, Grigg, Prestia, Castagna, Rioli
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Cutler (hamstring)
Richmond: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Mollison, B Ryan, S Ryan
Official crowd: 21,669 at the Gabba
