Sunday April 30 was a day of firsts, with the inaugural meeting between Richmond and Gold Coast at VFL level, and the Tigers unveiling yet another debutant with Nathan Philactides donning the Black sash for the first time.
The day was tough for the Tigers though, as their opponents controlled the game for the majority, saluting by 73 points.
Gold Coast’s undefeated streak remained intact, with the final score reading 9.10 (64) to 21.11 (137).
It was apt that Punt Road Oval was bathed in Autumn sunshine as a warm welcome for the travelling Suns.
Gold Coast’s AFL games experience outweighed Richmond’s by ten-to-one, as the Suns fielded 22 senior-listed players versus seven for the Tigers.
The Suns’ aerial prowess was evident from the opening bounce, as Mac Andrew and Sam Day proved early thorns at either end of the ground.
Richmond’s midfield started well, led by energetic onballer Thomson Dow and Sam Banks on the Swinburne Centre wing.
Gold Coast slotted the first two goals before Rhyan Mansell was rewarded a free-kick inside 50 and slotted Richmond’s opening goal.
The Tigers then briefly snatched the lead as Garrett McDonagh nearly speared the ball through the chest of Harrison White who clung on and kicked truly.
The Suns then rattled off the next five goals on the bounce.
Brad Melville’s unflinching courage and sure right boot gave the Tigers something to cheer about, as the vice-captain kicked a goal against the tide.
Richmond hung tough and trailed by 22 points at quarter-time.
The Suns swiftly slammed on three goals to start the second quarter, sprinting to a 40-point lead.
The game then turned to suit Richmond, as Yellow and Black chaos swept across Punt Road Oval.
Bigoa Nyuon was the fire starter, as he bound through the centre square and sent the Sherrin sailing through from beyond the arc.
A classic Richmond goal then followed, with the ball surging forward where Angus Hicks spotted up Steely Green on a well-timed lead.
Richmond’s trademark of selflessness was on display, as Green squared the ball to Mansell in the corridor.
The Tigers’ No. 31 pumped his fist as the goal umpire arched their back.
Unfortunately for Richmond, the Suns ended the quarter with dual majors, pushing the margin out to 48 points
The youthful Tigers could have been forgiven for dropping their heads after a clinical first half by Gold Coast, but Steve Morris wouldn’t have it.
Morris’ rousing and positive half-time address inspired his men to win the third term.
Hugo Ralphsmith provided the spark, burning a track down the wing and slotting two classy majors for the quarter.
Ralphsmith’s first was a reflex snap from congestion and his second a booming right-foot drop punt from outside 50.
Mansell helped himself to his third goal, further underlying his evolving versatility.
The Tigers played with dash and dare, which was not always perfect, but they never shied away from taking the game on.
The Suns were smarting in the final term, constricting the Tigers’ ball movement which led to a goalless quarter from the hosts, whilst the visitors were able to slot four.
The result didn’t go Richmond's way, but the Tigers will attack the next phase of the season following next weekend's Round 7 bye.
RICH 3.2 5.5 9.8 9.10 (64)
SUNS 7.0 13.5 17.7 21.11 (137)
Goal Kickers:
Richmond: Mansell (3), Ralphsmith (2), White, Nyuon, Nathan, Melville.
Best Players: Dow, Mansell, Ralphsmith, Banks, Olden, Street.
