Two players down - with Charlie Dixon reporting concussion symptoms and Jack Martin leaving the field injured during the first quarter - the Suns could have been forgiven for falling away when Richmond surged to the lead five minutes into the fourth quarter. Instead, the Suns bounced back to secure a well-earned victory.

Martin’s debut lasted less than a quarter. The Suns will be desperate to hear good news after their exciting first-year player injured his shoulder. In sharp contrast, AIS graduate Clay Cameron had a dream start. He has been earmarked as a long-term selection in the backline and an assured performance against Richmond showed why. One incident near the end of the match illustrated his special qualities - seemingly with no hope of stopping a mark six minutes from full-time, he raced back to fist the ball away from danger.

After a superb Fremantle display in the season-opener and an incredible Greater Western Sydney performance earlier on Saturday, this game was a more scrappy affair. It is not often you will see Trent Cotchin with 40 per cent disposal efficiency and Gary Ablett barely above 50 per cent effectiveness at the half-time mark. The contest turned into a dour struggle in the second and third quarters, with just five goals kicked.

Matt Thomas found himself surplus to requirements in Port Adelaide’s embarrassment of riches in midfield last year, but should add much-needed toughness to Richmond. Picked up as a mature-age rookie after impressing with Norwood in the SANFL, he hit the ground running, leading the team with 10 clearances, as well as accruing 29 touches and seven tackles.

Although erratic at times, when they were needed, Gold Coast talls Tom Lynch and Sam Day came through. Both took contested marks and converted shots at goal to give their side the lead in the fourth quarter.