Brisbane Lions beat Richmond by 28 points for sixth-straight AFL win

The Brisbane Lions overcame a slow start to defeat Richmond by 28 points for their sixth-straight win of the season.

The Lions recovered from 19-0 down, grinding away with a four-goals-to-one third term to prevail 15.12 (102) to 11.8 (74) at a sold-out Gabba.

Zac Bailey kicked four goals, his third breaking the deadlock in a tense third term.

When the 21-year-old added his fourth of the evening, it built a buffer and iced an influential match against the defending premiers, who battled hard without the bulk of their star midfield.

The Lions enjoyed a 28-16 free kick count in their favour, winning the contested ball 165-137 after the Tigers’ hot start.

The victory ensured the Lions — who were 1-3 after four rounds — remain entrenched in fourth place on the ladder, with the injury-hit Tigers (5-5) clinging to eighth.

Hugh McCluggage (27 disposals) was key to dragging the Lions back into the contest, while captain Dayne Zorko had 28 disposals.

Irishman James Madden was confident with a late, crucial first AFL goal for Brisbane and Rhys Mathieson (20 disposals, one goal) showed his class after spending all but one match as the next-man-up last season.

Lions star Eric Hipwood (four goals) continued his strong season but it was opposite number Jack Riewoldt (three goals) who had the early hot hand.

Riewoldt was all over Lions defender Marcus Adams in the first term, beating him three times for as many goals as the Tigers started sharply.

Keidean Coleman and Charlie Cameron popped up with goals to steady Brisbane, while Jack Graham had the instant reply as the Tigers swarmed on every loose ball.

The hosts were able to slow their run though, Mitch Robinson swallowing up a free-running Dustin Martin like a blanket, avoiding high contact and earning a free kick that led to Hipwood’s second goal.

McCluggage ensured Brisbane kept surging forward, setting up another for Hipwood after Bailey had put the home side ahead for the first time just shy of half-time.

The third quarter was an arm wrestle. Daniel Rich produced a poor kick that was accepted by Tom Lynch, who goaled as Brisbane’s avenues forward dried up.

With scores level, Zac Bailey provided the moment for Brisbane, trailing away from goal before swinging around and squirting a shot through from the outside of his boot.

Tom Lynch kicked two late goals but each was answered by the Lions, who next face the Giants then Melbourne before a bye.

Marlion Pickett was reported for striking Brandon Starcevich late in the fourth quarter.

AAP