A horror second half for Richmond, including a complete lapse of momentum and a shocking run of injuries, has resulted in a somewhat easy victory for Brisbane at the MCG on Saturday. The Lions, who had not won interstate since Round 8, 2008, blitzed the lacklustre Tigers in the final term to record a much-needed win of 26 points. However, this victory was far too much easier than it should have been.
A dominant, yet costly innacurate, first quarter looked like it had set-up Richmond for their second win of the season. As Luke Darcy made the comment that the game was almost over, an influential midfield display by Brett Deledio, Nathan Foley and returned superstar Ben Cousins aimed to shut the game down. But wayward kicking proved pivotol, as Brisbane clawed their way back.
The Lions second quarter started as nervously as the first, as they were simply outplayed throughout the corridor. But eventually the vastly undersized Richmond backline was taken advanatge of, through strong contested marking by Jonathan Brown and Daniel Bradshaw. By half time, the margin was 1 point, but a much stronger talking point was the disturbing and courageous head collision bewteen Alex Rance and Troy Selwood. Although both seem to be holding up after the game, it is unexpected that either will take part next week.
The next quarter was a stale-mate. Brisbane’s underrated and incredibly impressive defence rebounded Richmond’s forward 50 entries like a brick wall, as the Tigers, to put it bluntly, had nothing happening up forward.
For the final quarter, the MCG resembled a chopping board, as Brisbane quickly stuck a knife in the game, and consequently, Richmond’s season. Quick goals in succession to Brown, Justin Sherman and Michael Rischitelli all but buried the game, and assured the Lions first win over their nemesis since Round 14, 2004.
For Brisbane, Josh Drummond continued his consistently brilliant season, as Brown and Power played their part as well. While for Richmond, Foley, Deledio and Troy Simmonds gave their all. Joel Bowden also collected a monster amount of touches, despite many of them being ineffective.
For next week, Brisbane will be looking for three in a row as they face Adelaide back in the comfort of the Gabba. Richmond, however face a much more daunting task in the hot Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.
Richmond – 4.5, 7.6, 8.10, 10.11 (71)
Brisbane Lions – 1.4, 7.5, 9.7, 15.7 (97)
GOALS
Richmond: Simmonds 4, Cousins, Deledio, White, Graham, Schulz, Nahas,
Brisbane Lions: Brown 4, Bradshaw 3, Rischitelli 2, Brennan 2, Harding, Black, Adcock, Sherman
BEST
Richmond: Graham, Foley, McGuane, Deledio, Simmonds
Brisbane Lions: Drummond, Black, Brown, Power, Patfull, McDonald
INJURIES
Richmond: Rance (concussion), Graham (back)
Brisbane Lions: Selwood (concussion)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Kennedy, Findlay, Avon
Official crowd: 34.646 at MCG
