Determined Brisbane Lions left to wonder what might have been at MCG.
The Richmond Tigers have secured their first AFL more than 10 years after their 23-point victory against the Brisbane Lions at the MCG.
While the win was good news in that is gave the long-suffering side and its fans a chance to see them play in September, the size of the final margin was not what the Tigers needed.
Facing a Brisbane outfit that is already looking towards season 2014, and without one of their big weapons in Jonathan Brown, who missed the game with a foot injury, Richmond did enough to win and not much more.
The victory will hardly send shivers of fear through the rest of the AFL top eight as the Lions showed tremendous heart to continue to fight back late in the last quarter, before losing 14.13 (97) to 11.8 (74).
Off the back of their solid backline and deep midfield the Tigers ran out to a 29-point lead at the first break as that ballooned out to 46 at the main break, and a percentage boosting victory looked in the offering.
However, that was not to be as the Tigers looked vulnerable at times, but the four points were there’s along with the knowledge they will need to lift if they are to make an impression in the post-season.
Trent Cotchin was a strong contributor again, Daniel Jackson continued his fine season, Steven Morris and Bachar Houli were strong in defence, and Nathan Foley gave plenty of drive.
For the Lions, Tom Rockliff played a bit role in getting his team back into the contest, while Hanley was solid, Matt Maguire had an intriguing duel with Riewoldt, and Sam Mayes slotted through three goals.
Richmond will be out for an improved showing when they tackle Carlton in round 21 at the MCG next week, while Brisbane tackle Greater Western Sydney with a good chance to earn a morale boosting win on the cards.
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