Richmond defeats Brisbane on back of dominant Dustin Martin, but will he face MRP scrutiny?

RICHMOND has escaped a plucky young Brisbane outfit, eking out a 31-point win on the back of dominant performances from leaders Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Jack Riewoldt.

Dustin Martin may face MRP scrutiny for this hit on Nick Robertson. Picture: AAP

AS far as AFL battles go, this match, on paper at least, was one most would have marked down as a comfortable win for Richmond.

Sixth versus last on the ladder and the Tigers desperate to hit back after last week’s savaging from St Kilda to stay in touch with the top four.

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Dustin Martin may face MRP scrutiny for this hit on Nick Robertson. Picture: AAP

Robertson did his best to sell the hit from Martin. Picture: AAP

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There had been tough talk from Punt Rd and Tigers coach Damien Hardwick in the lead-up, demanding a fierce response from his players, who he said had been beaten up around the ball by the Saints in their 67-point loss.

He ordered mouthguards at training as toughening up his team’s contested play became the focus.

Hardwick was equally brutish at the selection table, making four changes for the clash against the Lions.

The only issue with the Tigers is you never quite know what you’re going to get.

One week, they’re being talked up as a flag contender after their stirring win over Port Adelaide, the next they were left shell-shocked in a 14-goal to one opening half capitulation to St Kilda.

Nick Robertson was reported for this headbutt on Tigers’ captain Trent Cotchin. Pictute: Getty Images

Fortunately for the Tigers faithful, this did not turn out to be one of their “Richmondy” moments as they bounced back with a 31-point win over the Lions.

Where they were caught napping in a horror first half against the Saints, the Tigers made a swift and immediate statement against the lowly Lions at Etihad Stadium, putting the first goal on the board through Jason Castagna in the opening minute.

Hardwick had wanted his players to toughen up and the early signs were strong for the Tigers, who won the contested ball count 37-24 in the opening quarter.

The Tigers managed just four goals in three quarters against the Saints, but they matched that in the opening term against the Lions, only being let down by a few wayward shots at goal to keep the margin to just under 20 points.

Ivan Soldo soared for the Tigers... Picture: Getty Images

...And his teammates helped him celebrate his first win at Richmond. Picture: Getty Images

Just when Richmond looked to be righting its wrongs from last week, the Lions, whose last visit to Etihad Stadium resulted in an upset win over Essendon, scored three goals to one in the second quarter to put the pressure back on the Tigers.

Where their stars were subdued last week, the Tigers’ big names started to make their presence felt after the halftime break. Jack Riewoldt added another two goals to take his tally to four, while midfield general Dustin Martin dominated with a big 15-possession quarter.

After a quieter first half, Martin delivered another Brownlow vote-worthy performance, finishing with 40 possessions, 14 clearances, 18 contested possessions and two goals.

Jack Riewoldt was the most dangerous forward on the ground. Picture: Getty Images

But Martin let the Lions get under his skin at one point and could face MRP scrutiny for a little high contact on antagonist Nick Robertson after a third-quarter tangle.

Richmond captain Trent Cotchin was also impressive with 28 disposals for the match, including 15 contested possessions and one goal, while Dion Prestia (19 disposals) shut down Lion Dayne Zorko.

The Tigers finished with nine goal scorers for the match, including four to Riewoldt, and emerged with contested possession tally of 143-113 that should please Hardwick and have the mouthguards left in the lockeroom at training this week.

The question of how the Tigers would respond to the heavy St Kilda loss was answered in the manner that should be expected against the bottom-placed side, but what Richmond turns up next week when the Giants come to town?

Jason Castagna kicked the first and last goal of the match. Picture: Getty Images

RICHMOND 16.16 (112)

d.

BRISBANE 12.9 (81)

GOALS

RICHMOND: Riewoldt 4, Butler 3, Martin 2, Castagna 2, Edwards, Cotchin, Prestia, Rioli, B Ellis

BRISBANE: Keays 2, Schache 2, Hipwood 2, Cutler, Zorko, Bastinac, Mathieson, Walker, McCluggage

BEST

RICHMOND

Martin, Cotchin, Prestia, Riewoldt, Miles, Rance, Lambert, Butler

BRISBANE

Witherden, Taylor, Andrews, Rich, McStay, Beams

BEC WILLIAMS’ VOTES

3. Dustin Martin

2. Trent Cotchin

1. Dion Prestia

INJURIES

Richmond: Soldo (nose)

Brisbane Lions: Nil

REPORTS

Nick Robertson (Bris) for headbutting Trent Cotchin (Rich)

Umpires: Fisher, Deboy, Hosking

Official crowd: 28,188 at Etihad Stadium