Gold Coast Suns can again unsettle Richmond’s bid for a top-eight spot when the two sides meet in Cairns this afternoon. We’ll have live scores from 4.40pm AEST.
It was this time last year when the Tigers capitulated at Cazaly’s Stadium, conceding two goals in the final 47 seconds to lose by two points.
It led to commentator Paul Roos describing the passage of play as the worst 47 seconds in the history of the game, and was one of a number of close losses that kept Richmond from making the eight.
This season Richmond appeared to be all but confirmed for a top eight position, with some even suggesting the Tigers could sneak into the top four, but last week’s 62-point loss to North Melbourne has tempered that enthusiasm for the moment.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick has made three changes for this afternoon. Ruckman Ivan Maric returns from a groin injury, Ricky Petterd plays his first game since Round 6 due to a calf problem, while Matt Arnot has been recalled.
Gold Coast came within six points of the Lions in last weekend’s QClash before Michael Voss’ side kicked away in the final term to win by 33-points, condemning the Suns to their third straight loss.
It left the Suns at 5-9, three wins and percentage outside the eight, although with a reasonably easy draw the Suns could still contend for the finals should they be able to string a few consecutive wins together.
Their chances will be boosted by the return of captain Gary Ablett from a calf injury after being a late withdrawal last week.
Josh Hall also returns while Seb Tape plays his first game of 2013, as he returns from a ruptured ACL that has kept him sidelined for 13 months.
The Suns hold a 2-0 record over the Tigers but if Richmond are to play finals this season they must win games like this.