In a scrappy and at times comical encounter, the Tigers led from start to finish to run out victors 15.15 (105) to 12.14 (86).
They steadied the ship in the final quarter after the Lions got to within five points, as first Andrew Collins spun and goaled from 45m, then Jack Riewoldt took a strong contested mark and goaled to restore a handy lead.
Richmond never looked back.
Despite lacking skill at times, the Tigers worked harder and deserved their second win in succession after leading at every break.
It was a miserable 200th game for Lions full-forward Brendan Fevola, who kicked just one goal - from a free kick - and mixed that with an air-swing, helicopter punt and a couple of total miskicks.
He was not on his own, however, and the Lions have now lost eight of their past nine games and slumped to a 5-8 record ahead of the mid-season break.
Not only was the home side missing skipper Jonathan Brown with a groin injury, but Brownlow Medallist Simon Black joined the stars in the stands after being a late withdrawal with a virus.
But the Tigers were terrific, led by Riewoldt’s three goals and Brett Deledio’s 33 possessions.
For the Lions, Aaron Cornelius, who was Black’s late replacement, and Brent Staker kicked three goals each, while Tom Rockliff (26 touches) and Travis Johnstone (29) tried hard.
The Lions face Carlton at Etihad Stadium next Friday as they aim to return to their winning ways.
Brisbane Lions 2.4 6.5 8.10 12.14 (86)
Richmond 5.2 9.7 10.12 15.15 (105)
GOALS
Brisbane Lions: Cornelius 3, Staker 3, Banfield 2, Rockliff, Redden, Sherman, Fevola
Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Collins 3, White 2, Edwards 2, Cousins, Martin, Farmer, Vickery, Griffiths
BEST
Brisbane Lions: Banfield, Cornelius, Johnstone, Rockliff, Staker
Richmond: Deledio, Martin, Cousins, Riewoldt, White, Tuck
INJURIES
Brisbane Lions: Black (virus, replaced in starting side by Cornelius); Buchanan
Richmond: McGuane
Reports: nil
Umpires: Vozzo, Farmer, Jennings
Official crowd: 28,415 at the Gabba
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
