The VFL Tigers have continued their strong start to the season, defeating the Brisbane Lions by 22 points on Saturday morning at the Swinburne Centre, 12.13 (85) to 8.15 (63).

The hosts got off to a flying start, hitting the scoreboard within the first 15 seconds of the contest through Maurice Rioli Jr.

Massimo Raso and Samson Ryan also converted in the opening term to see the Tigers lead by nine points at quarter time.

Raso, again, was outstanding for the Tigers, converting three goals.

00:33

VFL Round 3: Raso's second quarter brace

Massimo Raso kicks two of his first half goals in the short span of two minutes.

Ryan (23 disposals, nine marks, 16 hit-outs, six marks and one goal) also established a strong presence around the ground through the contest.

The Tigers’ defence was outstanding, with coach Jake Batchelor praising the efforts of his defenders. 

“We lost clearance by 25…which is not a good number, but we only got scored 18 points off stoppage against, so our ability to defend behind the ball was really strong,” Batchelor said post-match.

02:48

VFL Round 3: Post-Match

Richmond Media speaks to Jake Batchelor after the Tigers Round 3 win.

“I thought they (Campbell Gray and Mutaz El Nour) had some really good moments, same with Jacob Koschitzke and Nick Guiney.”

Tom McCarthy (22 disposals, five marks and seven tackles) put forward another strong outing from half-back, while Austin Johnson didn’t miss a beat on return, collecting 20 disposals.

Hugo Ralphsmith was also impressive on his return to action, notching up 18 disposals, five tackles and three clearances.

05:57

VFL Round 3: Match Highlights

Catch all the Match Highlights from the Tigers VFL win against Brisbane.

Youngster Josh Smillie notched up 10 disposals while playing on managed minutes, while Jasper Alger and Jonty Faull were both potent in the forward half, combining for 10 scoring shots.

The clinical Tigers built on their quarter-time lead through Mohammed Yassine, Raso and Faull’s goals in the second term, before kicking away in the third term to establish a 40-point three quarter time lead.

199cm tall forward Thomas Sims was also strong on the day with 17 disposals, five marks, six tackles, 10 hit-outs and one goal.

The VFL Tigers, currently placed second on the Smithy’s VFL ladder, enter the league-wide bye with a 3-0 record.

During the league-wide bye round for the AFL’s Gather Round, Richmond VFL will face the AFL Academy.

Richmond 3.6 7.9 7.9 11.10 12.13 (85)

Brisbane 2.3 3.8 4.12 8.15 (63)

Goals: Raso (3), Yassine (2), Faull (2), Sims, Alger, Ryan, Rioli, McKenzie

Best: Ryan, McCarthy, El Nour, Wilson, McKenzie, Sims