Matthew Richardson previews Monday night's Round 12 clash against Gold Coast at the Gabba.

1. Fresh legs

After coming off a short break in the lead up to the game against Port Adelaide, the Tigers have the benefit of a nine-day break before the Round 12 clash against Gold Coast. The Tigers could also potentially welcome back skipper, Trent Cotchin, and All Australian half-back, Bachar Houli.

2. Centre Square improvement

The Tigers lost the centre clearance count 20-5 in the game against Port. It’s tough work starting each attack from the defensive 50, particularly on narrow grounds such as the Adelaide Oval. The Tigers will look to improve in the midfield, which will also give our defence more time to set-up against the Suns.

3. Brave Baker

Richmond defender, Liam Baker showed courage and natural football nous going back with the flight in a marking contest against Charlie Dixon last Saturday. Coming off a career-high 26 disposals in the game against Brisbane, Baker is quickly becoming a Tiger faithful favourite with his toughness, composure and reliability.

Richmond survived a huge scare on Monday night, before overwhelming Gold Coast to win by 21 points at the Gabba.

The Tigers trailed by 10 points at half-time before kicking three unanswered goals in the third term and running away late to win 8.5 (53) to 4.8 (32).

The victory solidifies their spot just outside the top four ahead of Saturday's Dreamtime game against Essendon in Darwin.

Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt kicked two goals apiece, while skipper Trent Cotchin (26 disposals) and defender Dylan Grimes were also solid.

Richmond won through weight of territory, finishing with 54 inside 50s to 29.

Jack Lukosius (27 disposals) and Noah Anderson (26) were sensational for the losers, playing the best games of their young careers.

To mangle an old cliche, the first half was a genuine 'game of two quarters' with Richmond owning the first and Gold Coast the second.

The Suns took a 10-point lead into half-time, largely on the back of manic pressure in the second quarter and a defensive 50 performance that was among the best in club history.

Richmond generated 17 inside 50s in the first quarter and 25 in the half, yet could muster just four scoring shots as Charlie Ballard and Wil Powell intercepted at will, Jack Bowes showed composure to get out of tight corners and Lukosius generated some much-needed drive.

RICHMOND 2.1 2.2 5.2 8.5 (53)
GOLD COAST 2.1 3.6 3.8 4.8 (32)

GOALS
Richmond: Lynch 2, Riewoldt 2, Chol, McIntosh, Pickett, Soldo
Gold Coast: Flanders, King, Sexton, Ellis

BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Grimes, Riewoldt, Short, McIntosh, Vlastuin
Gold Coast: Anderson, Lukosius, Bowes, Ballard, Powell, Ellis

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Gold Coast: Nil