Richmond have been bullied in a 81-point AFL spanking by Brisbane at the Gabba, denting their top-eight hopes.
The Lions’ contested-ball dominance and improved defensive pressure was on full display in their 20.14 (134) to 7.11 (53) triumph on Thursday night.
It was a shadow of the contest that played out when the teams met in last season’s elimination final thriller, when the Lions prevailed by just two points.
And the one-way traffic could have been even uglier for the visitors, if not for the Lions’ inaccuracy and occasional wastefulness in front of goal.
A hamstring injury for Jayden Short and the pre-game loss of Dustin Martin (illness) were enough to swallow though as the Tigers missed a chance to jump inside the top eight to begin the round.
The loss instead groups them in a large chasing pack, the manner of defeat a reality check for a side that had won three-straight games under interim coach Andrew McQualter before last round’s bye.
“They were just far too good for us; really underwhelming performance,” the coach said.
“In the clinches they were tough, hunted well and we couldn’t get any momentum.
“Things are never as good or never as bad (as they seem). That’s a bad loss, but we’ll bounce back and Brisbane, their game tonight was right up the top.”
Joe Daniher kicked five goals and Lincoln McCarthy combined three majors with 13 classy touches for the Lions.
The damage was done in the midfield though, Josh Dunkley cancelling out Tim Taranto’s impact and Hugh McCluggage and Lachie Neale (both 34 disposals) calling the shots.
Harris Andrews and Oscar McInerney were imposing early to set the tone as the Lions dominated clearances (46-32) and inside 50s (68-38).
That didn’t automatically translate to points but good forward pressure meant the ball kept coming back into the Tigers’ defensive 50, and in style.
An intercept from Ryan Lester kick-started a wonderful chain of passes that ended with a neat over-the-back handball from Will Ashcroft, Charlie Cameron drilling the goal from just inside 50.
The hosts led by 21 at quarter time, 48 at halftime and 72 at the final break, with McCarthy mobbed when he kicked his second and the team’s 15th on the three-quarter siren.
Brisbane were queuing up, Darcy Wilmot and Conor McKenna creeping forward for goals to ice their good work and Neale drilling two from long-range – just his second and third goals of the season.
Callum Ah Chee impressed in his recall but copped a late head knock while Dunkley was subbed at three-quarter time with a corked calf.
It was a timely percentage boost for the Lions, who will be hoping to do similar when they host strugglers West Coast next week before an MCG blockbuster against Melbourne.
“We were good all game and we were good in all the facets,” Fagan said.
“Our contest numbers are incredibly good, but the most pleasing part about it was our team defence.
“I wouldn’t have thought that’s a true indication of Richmond’s capacity, but we did play well.”
McCarthy will likely face scrutiny from the AFL’s match review officer though after a jumper punch on Kamdyn McIntosh appeared to make contact with the Tiger’s chin.
