Richmond battled hard against the reigning premiers on Saturday afternoon at the MCG, with the young Tigers showing several promising signs in the 28-point defeat.

Adem Yze’s men never gave in and fought until the very end, but the undefeated Brisbane Lions proved to be too strong, recording an 18.10 (118) to 13.12 (90) victory.

Richmond fans got a strong glimpse at the future of the forward line, with youngsters Seth Campbell, Steely Green, Harry Armstrong, Sam Lalor and Sam Banks all booting two goals. Jacob Bauer was also a presence up front when he came on in the final term.

Impressively, Campbell has now kicked multiple goals in all four games of the season so far, as the 20-year-old once again displayed how damaging he is in the attacking half.

Lalor added 24 disposals with his two goals in a strong display from the number one draft pick. Fellow draftee Luke Trainor continued his impressive start to his career with 19 disposals.

Experienced midfielders Jacob Hopper (32 disposals, eight clearances) and Tim Taranto (29 disposals) both battled hard and were the Tigers’ top two leading ball winners.

Richmond conceded four of the first five goals, and nine of the first 11 scoring shots, but heads didn't drop. Quick replies from Campbell and Taranto in the opening quarter's dying stages reduced the deficit to just 10 points at the first change.

Four-straight second quarter Brisbane goals, then another couple late in the term, had the potential to break the Tigers' back, but once again Richmond refused to buckle, kicking three of the final five goals of the half.

The Lions would eventually build their advantage to 42-points at three quarter time before the Tigers finished strongly, winning the last term four goals to two.

Richmond faces Fremantle next Sunday at Barossa Park as part of the AFL’s Gather Round.