Richmond has defeated Gold Coast for the first time in three attempts, downing the Suns by nine points in a low-scoring affair at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns.
The Tigers led by seven points at three-quarter time and had the use of a significant breeze in the final term.
However, they didn't make their advantage count until Jack Riewoldt snapped a clever goal from the pocket to put them 16 points ahead.
Campbell Brown's goal cut the margin to 10 points with three minutes to play and Andrew Boston missed another set shot to tighten things up in the last minute, but the Tigers held on for a well-deserved victory, 6.17 (53) to 6.8 (44).
In truth, Richmond dominated open play from midway through the second quarter and it was only their inability to convert weight of possession into goals that prevented the game from being decided much earlier.
After losing to the Suns in north Queensland in the past two seasons, the Tigers kicked three quick goals just before half-time to snatch control of the game.
Daniel Jackson was excellent for the Tigers, kicking two goals and limiting the influence of Suns skipper Gary Ablett. Dustin Martin (31 possessions) was prolific in midfield, and Ricky Petterd played a strong game off half-back.
Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls held his own against Tigers duo Ivan Maric and Ty Vickery, while Dion Prestia (27 possessions and a goal), Trent McKenzie and Matt Shaw were among the Suns' best in an even midfield effort.
RICHMOND 1.3 4.10 5.13 6.17 (53)
GOLD COAST 3.3 4.4 5.6 6.8 (44)
GOALS
Richmond: Jackson 2, Riewoldt, Arnot, Foley, Ellis
Gold Coast: Brown, O'Meara, McKenzie, Day, Bennell, Shaw
BEST
Richmond: Jackson, Martin, Cotchin, Ellis, Chaplin, Deledio
Gold Coast: McKenzie, Prestia, Ablett, Nicholls, O'Meara, Shaw
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Gold Coast: Rory Thompson (shoulder)
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Aaron Edwards replaced by Shaun Grigg
Gold Coast: Rory Thompson (shoulder) replaced by Andrew Boston
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Bannister, Pannell
Official crowd: 11,197 at Cazalys Stadium
Tigers salute in Cairns
Richmond has defeated Gold Coast for the first time in three attempts, downing the Suns by nine points in a low-scoring affair at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns.
