Richmond’s VFL affiliate, Coburg, has suffered a heart-breaking three-point loss to Sandringham in the opening round of the season.
A goal after the siren from Will Johnson handed the Zebras the win after a Shane Tuck goal put the Tigers two goals ahead with less than two minutes to play.
Coburg led at quarter time after a strong start, and kept in touch with Sandringham to three quarter time, when the trailed by just six points.
Two goals to Richmond rookie Pat Contin early in the last quarter helped Coburg take the lead, which they maintained until the last kick of the day.
Jeromey Webberley, Shane Tuck and Ben Nason were the most prolific ball winners for the Tigers, while Andrew Browne was impressive in the ruck and Dylan Grimes rebounded well from half back.
Coburg listed midfielder Nick Carnell kicked four goals for the match, with Brad Miller and Ben Nason booting three each.
The Tigers have the bye next weekend, before taking on Northern Bullants on Sunday April 17.
Final scores - Round 1
Coburg Tigers 7.0, 9.2, 11.7, 16.9 (105)
Sandringham 5.2, 10.5, 12.7, 16.12 (108)
Goal Kickers: N. Carnell 4, B. Miller 3, B. Nason 3, P. Contin 2, S. Tuck 2, J. Post , J. Lawton
Best Players: J. Webberley, D. Grimes, M. Tanner, S. Tuck, B. Nason, N. Carnell
