Lowly Richmond stake a claim for a second straight AFL victory with a spirited first half against an injury-depleted Brisbane at the Gabba on Saturday night.
The Tigers stunned the Lions with a five goal to two opening term and kept up their intensity to lead 9.7 (61) to 6.5 (41) at half time.
Both sides headed to their respective change rooms full of steam following an all-in melee after the siren.
No punches were thrown but the only player who showed no interest in the fracas was Lions full forward Brendan Fevola.
The Tigers took command of the match in the second term when they led by as much as 24 points after Jack Riewoldt, Matt White and Dustin Martin goaled in succession.
It appeared that not only was a major upset in the making but it would be a sizeable one as well.
However, Richmond undid much of the hard work and allowed Brisbane back within striking distance after two undisciplined acts which resulted in 50m penalties and goals from point blank range to Brent Staker and Todd Banfield.
Staker was shouldering a lot of responsibility in attack in the absence of Jonathan Brown and the Lions midfield took a major hit when gutsy midfielder Simon Black withdrew because of a virus.
Exuberant Richmond forward Riewoldt contributed two goals (one in each quarter), while the Tigers lost Luke McGuane during the second quarter after he rolled his right ankle in a marking contest.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick acknowledged the Lions were depleted through injury but he was proud of the way his players stood-up under pressure.
“It was a tough game,” he said.
“It wasn’t a pretty game and our guys stood up when it counted.
“We’ll take any break we’re given (regarding injuries).
“We’ve still got a long way to go but it’s exciting what we are seeing.”
Lions coach Michael Voss refused to single out Fevola, or any player for that matter, for a lack of effort and said there were only about a dozen on his list who are playing constantly well.
“Some guys are putting in an enormous effort and some just aren’t,” he said.
“You can’t have so many games where eight, nine 12 players that are trying their hardest and six doing nothing.”
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Thoughts, Crows fans?
Poor Luke had best get used to this!
A bit lucky for the Lion?
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