Dwell
Richmond has been bullied in a 81-point AFL spanking by Brisbane on the Gabba, denting its top-eight hopes.
The Lions’ contested-ball dominance and improved defensive strain was on full show of their 20.14 (134) to 7.11 (53) triumph on Thursday night time.
It was a shadow of the competition that performed out when the groups met in final season’s elimination remaining thriller, when the Lions prevailed by simply two factors.
And the one-way visitors may have been even uglier for the guests, if not for the Lions’ inaccuracy and occasional wastefulness in entrance of aim.
A hamstring damage for Jayden Brief and the pre-game lack of Dustin Martin (sickness) had been sufficient to swallow although because the Tigers missed an opportunity to leap inside the highest eight to start the spherical.
The loss as a substitute teams them in a big chasing pack, the style of defeat a actuality verify for a aspect that had received three-straight video games underneath interim coach Andrew McQualter earlier than final spherical’s bye.
Joe Daniher kicked 5 objectives and Lincoln McCarthy mixed three majors with 13 elegant touches for the Lions.
The harm was accomplished within the midfield although, Josh Dunkley cancelling out Tim Taranto’s influence and Hugh McCluggage and Lachie Neale (each 34 disposals) calling the photographs.
Harris Andrews and Oscar McInerney had been imposing early to set the tone because the Lions dominated clearances (46-32) and inside-50 entries (68-38).
That didn’t mechanically translate to factors however good ahead strain meant the ball stored coming again into the Tigers’ defensive 50, and in type.
An intercept from Ryan Lester kickstarted a beautiful chain of passes that ended with a neat over-the-back handball from Will Ashcroft, Charlie Cameron drilling the aim from simply inside 50.
The hosts led by 21 at quarter-time, 48 at half-time and 72 on the remaining break, with McCarthy mobbed when he kicked his second and the staff’s fifteenth on the three-quarter siren.
Brisbane was queuing up, Darcy Wilmot and Conor McKenna creeping ahead for objectives to ice their good work and Neale drilling two from lengthy vary – simply his second and third objectives of the season.
Callum Ah Chee impressed in his recall however copped a late head knock whereas Dunkley was subbed at three-quarter time and was icing his calf post-game.
It was a well timed share enhance for the Lions, who will likely be hoping to do related after they host strugglers West Coast subsequent week earlier than an MCG blockbuster in opposition to Melbourne.
McCarthy will probably face scrutiny from the AFL’s match evaluate officer although after a jumper punch on Kamdyn McIntosh appeared to make contact with the Tiger’s chin.
-AAP