Richmond has suffered an 18-point loss on the road against the Gold Coast to kick off the 2014 season.

The Tigers hit the front early in the last quarter, but the Suns hit back with four straight goals to run away with the game.

It was the Gold Coast’s third victory from four games against the Tigers, with the two previous wins coming at Cazaly's Stadium in Cairns. Saturday night's clash was the first time Gold Coast had hosted Richmond at Metricon Stadium.

Richmond had its chances and had just as much of the play, but was unable to break free of the Suns' shackles.

Trent Cotchin was sublime in defeat, leading from the front with 38 disposals, while Brett Deledio had 33 and Shaun Grigg 30.

Gold Coast's midfielders also found plenty of the ball, led by Gary Ablett's 41 disposals, six clearances and two goals.

Ty Vickery was the lone multiple goalkicker for Richmond with two.

The Tigers face Carlton at the MCG in Round 2, on Thursday, March 27.


GOLD COAST 5.4  6.5  7.13  12.15 (87)
RICHMOND    3.1  5.6  6.7  10.9 (69) 

GOALS
Gold Coast: Day 2, Stanley 2, Ablett 2, Lynch 2, Prestia, O’Meara, Matera, Swallow
Richmond: Vickery 2, Vlastuin, Petterd, Riewoldt, Cotchin, Griffiths, Edwards, Martin, Deledio

BEST
Gold Coast: Ablett, Prestia, Rischitelli, Swallow, Cameron, Lynch, Stanley
Richmond: Cotchin, Deledio, Thomas, Martin, Conca

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Jack Martin (shoulder), Dixon (concussion)
Richmond: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Gold Coast: Timmy Sumner replaced Jack Martin in the first quarter
Richmond: Nathan Foley replaced Ben Griffiths in the third quarter

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Chamberlain, Meredith and Ryan

Official crowd: 19,425 at Metricon Stadium