Lions fire in third term to topple plucky Tigers

Brisbane Lions overturned a tight first half to overpower Richmond by 35 points in Hobart, sealing a 17.13 (115) to 12.8 (80) victory. The premiers trailed by three at halftime before a dominant 7-3 third quarter; Will Ashcroft finished with a game-high 38 disposals, two goals and eight clearances. Lachie Neale asserted his influence early in the third, while Logan Morris added three goals and Eric Hipwood contributed two in his 200th game back from knee surgery. Harris Andrews took nine marks in his 250th appearance for Brisbane.

Richmond’s Jasper Alger booted four goals and Tim Taranto gathered 29 disposals with two goals, but the Tigers remain second-last at 2-11 while Brisbane improves to eight wins and six losses. The opening exchanges were close, with a goal by Bruce Reville near the posts giving Brisbane a brief lead at quarter time, and Taranto’s late second-quarter surge briefly putting Richmond ahead before Brisbane seized control in the second half, outscoring the Tigers 11 goals to 6 as they head into clashes with Sydney and Geelong.