AFL round 12: Richmond Tigers secure gritty victory over Gold Coast Suns

When the reigning champions and wooden spoon recipients face off, you’d expect a one-sided bloodbath, but that certainly wasn’t the case.

When the reigning champions and wooden spoon recipients face off, you’d expect a one-sided bloodbath, but that certainly wasn’t the case.

The last time Richmond and Gold Coast faced off in the AFL, it was an embarrassing bloodbath.

Just over 13 months ago, the Tigers raced to a comfortable 23.12 (150) to 9.4 (58) at Metricon Stadium, and eventually went on to claim their second premiership in three years.

Meanwhile, the Suns ended the 2019 season with nothing but a wooden spoon.

But Gold Coast’s performance against the defending premiers at the Gabba on Monday evening proved how far they have come as a club.

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The young squad gave Richmond an almighty scare in their round 12 encounter, the final scoreline of 8.5 (53) to 4.8 (32) hardly telling the full story — in actuality, the Suns were one point behind with 10 minutes left on the clock.

Although the Tigers were undeniably the strongest side on the field, the Gold Coast will take plenty of confidence from the fixture, knowing they can challenge the AFL’s best.

The Gold Coast Suns held the lead at halftime.

AFL LIVE SCORES: Round 12 match centres

Coming off a nine-day break, Richmond dominated the opening quarter in Brisbane, with most of the action taking place in their attacking half.

But despite boasting a considerable 17-4 lead on the inside 50 tally, scores were tied at quarter-time, with both sides mustering two goals in three scoring shots.

Gold Coast forward Alex Sexton was the only goalscorer during the second quarter, and the Suns held an ominous 3.6 (24) to 2.2 (14) lead at halftime.

When these two clubs faced off in July 2019, Richmond were leading 16.7 (103) to 3.1 (19) after two quarters.

Momentum shifted after the main interval — a trio of majors meant the Tigers held a narrow lead at three-quarter time.

Gold Coast were unable to prevent a late onslaught from the Tigers, who managed 16 inside 50s during the one-sided fourth quarter.

RICH tonight become the first team to have played games on all 7 different days of the week in a single V/@AFL season
@Richmond_FC #AFLTigersSuns https://t.co/NhdCTQQGj7

— Swamp (@sirswampthing) August 17, 2020

Sports writer Michael Randall tweeted: “Pitfalls of a young side. A couple of massive chances to really drive the dagger in and the Suns missed out. Tigers clinical late.”

ABC Grandstand broadcaster Quentin Hull posted: “They look better, but need to win a game or two before the end of the year to bank their reputation as improvers.”

Suns prodigy Noah Anderson once again proved his worth in the midfield, boasting 26 disposals, four marks and 11 kicks. Meanwhile, Tigers stars Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt were the only players capable of scoring multiple goals, each with two to their name.

“The Gold Coast have been amazing all year with the standard of pressure, but also their ball use,” Richmond captain Trent Cotchin told Fox Footy after the match.

“Credit to them, the way they showed up after a very short break.”

The Suns have four days to prepare for the next fixture against Carlton in the North Territory, while Richmond will face Essendon on Saturday evening.