Brisbane Lions qualify for first preliminary final since 2004
Despite dominating most of the first half, Richmond came under heavy fire over several damning mistakes which shifted momentum in Brisbane.
The Brisbane Lions broken their horror 11-year drought, defeating the Richmond Tigers by 15 points in one of the season's most enthralling encounters.
Brisbane had not tasted victory against the defending premiers since round 7 of the 2009 premiership, but have managed to qualify for the preliminary final after Friday evening's 10.9 (69) to 8.6 (54) win at the Gabba.
The Lions will play in a preliminary final for the first time in 16 years, and are now one win away from a home grand final.
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The Tigers came under fire for ill-disciplined errors late in the second quarter, which cost them an early lead in Brisbane.
Those prelim final feels 🙌#FootyOHWHATAFEELING | #AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/9S8C5I6ns1
— AFL (@AFL) October 2, 2020
Richmond were ahead by seven points before three late goals gave the Brisbane Lions a healthy lead at half-time.
One of Brisbane's trio of goals could have been avoided, if not for consecutive 50m penalties.
After Marlion Pickett was penalised for a throw in Brisbane’s defensive 50, umpire Andre Gianfagna awarded another 50m penalty when Shai Bolton appeared to swear at him.
Following the 100m penalty, Lions superstar Lachie Neale - who bizarrely did not touch the Sherrin in the first quarter - then kicked one of the longest goals of his career to give his club a 13-point lead at half-time.
Hawthorn legend Leigh Matthews told 3AW: "There is that element of when you are used to bullying teams just by the way you play and all of a sudden there is a fight back – Richmond haven't handled that well. Three 50m penalties – those are deplorable mistakes."
Sports journalist Tim Hipsley tweeted: "Lions not taking any c**p from the Tigers and making them pay on the scoreboard too."
Really poor to give away those 50m penalties ... but the inconsistency in dropping the ball is so frustrating. Twice players dropped the ball the same way Vlaustin was called for. A 100m penalty. Fair Dinkum #AFLLionsTigers @Richmond_FC
— Peter Brown (@SydneyEditor) October 2, 2020
After conceding his side were lacking discipline, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick accused the umpires of being "trigger happy".
“The reality is we’ve given away I think five goals from free kicks, we’ve got to be more disciplined,” Hardwick told Fox Footy at half-time.
“Probably a little bit like last night, they’re (umpires) a bit trigger happy at the moment, we’ve got to understand how the game is being adjudicated and adjust.”
Without tall forward Tom Lynch, the Tigers struggled to win aerial contests in Brisbane's defensive 50.
Richmond never recovered, and despite threatening to make a comeback in the fourth quarter, Brisbane held on for a historic victory.
The home crowd went berserk when the final siren sounded, as did Lions coach Chris Fagan.
Nine reporter Alicia Muling posted: "Can’t remember a more enjoyable game of footy to watch. Gotta love Chris Fagan."
Collingwood forward Mason Cox tweeted: "Pretty amazing how far Brisbane has come over the last few years. It’s great to see their fans showing up for them tonight at the Gabba too after such a crazy year."
Well Brisbane playing an AFL grand final in Brisbane would be ONE good thing to come out of 2020. #AFLLionsTigers
— Jason Whittaker (@thetowncrier) October 2, 2020
Fagan told reporters after the match: "I'm just excited for the players and the staff and the club in general.
"To get out there and play like that against a great team like the Tigers, I'm very proud of the group."
Lions midfielder Jarryd Lyons managed a game-high 24 disposals, while Charlie Cameron was at his dynamic best, scoring three goals.
AAP reporter Oliver Caffrey tweeted: "What a response from Charlie Cameron. Reputation took a bit of a hit following last year’s qualifying final, but that’s going to silence the doubters."
Sydney Morning Herald journalist Greg Baum posted: "Charlie Cameron enters the pantheon of players you just have to love no matter who you barrack for."
Richmond will face either the Western Bulldogs or St Kilda next weekend in what will be their first semi-final since 2001.
Originally published as Brisbane Lions qualify for first preliminary final since 2004