Richmond v Brisbane, MCG Saturday, April 5, 4.15pm AEDT

Last time: Brisbane 26.7 (163) d Richmond 6.8 (44), R10 2024

What it means

Richmond (1-2) has come crashing back to earth after its round one heroics with a pair of chastening defeats by an average of 77 points. The Tigers might have already been handed a couple of reality checks but will now have to at least aim to limit the damage against the reigning premiers while giving their young talents time to learn from some of the best.

Brisbane (3-0) has won its past two clashes with Richmond by an average of 100 points and another thumping would hardly be a surprise this time around. The Lions have somehow flown under the radar even while starting their premiership defence with three consecutive victories and in ominous signs are closer to hitting top gear just as they host last year’s wooden spooner.

Game shapers

Jayden Short remains as one of a dwindling number of premiership winners still playing at Richmond as he turns his focus to helping to lead by example. The 29-year-old adds a touch of class to the Tigers’ defence while also finding himself in more contests around the middle of the field these days and aiming to deliver quality ball into attack for the young forwards to feast on.

Will Ashcroft had made a relatively slow start to the season after being awarded the Norm Smith Medal last year but his performance in the win over Geelong last week was worth the wait. The 20-year-old had 33 disposals in what coach Chris Fagan said was a superior display to his effort in the Lions' Grand Final triumph but in ominous signs his best is surely still to come.