STAR Richmond recruit Tom Lynch has kicked six goals to sink Port Adelaide in a thrilling seven-point AFL win.
Lynch led a Tigers side missing their ‘Big Four’ – Dustin Martin, Jack Riewoldt, Alex Rance and skipper Trent Cotchin – to a 15.9. (99) to 14.8. (92) victory at Adelaide Oval.
After Port controlled the first quarter, Richmond upped their pressure, pace and tackle count in the second to come within two points at half time.
Both teams kicked two goals from free kicks in the third quarter but the momentum swung Richmond’s way after Lynch kicked two within seconds thanks to a free paid against Ryan Burton.
The Tigers hit the lead and two quick goals from Lynch and Liam Baker put Port on the back foot.
The lead changed hands four times during a nail-biter high-scoring last quarter, with Power rookie Xavier Duursma unable to convert a shot from close range shortly before the siren.
Port Adelaide midfielders Tom Rockliff (38 disposals), Travis Boak (33 disposals) and Brad Ebert (23 disposals, two goals) were stand-outs for the Power.
But Richmond’s youngsters stepped up when it counted, first-gamer Jack Ross particularly impressive with 25 disposals.
Fellow Tigers Brandon Ellis (28 disposals, one goal) and Dion Prestia (20 disposals, one goal) were among others to step up.
The win was critical for the 2017 premiers, who now sit 2-2 after a disappointing start to the season.
© AAP 2019
RICHMOND 2.5 6.8 11.8 15.9 (99)
PORT ADELAIDE 4.1 7.3 11.6 14.8 (92)
Goals: Richmond: T Lynch 6 J Caddy 3 B Ellis D Prestia K McIntosh L Baker S Bolton T Nankervis. Port Adelaide: S Gray 3 B Ebert 2 O Wines 2 R Gray 2 D Houston P Ryder R Burton S Powell-Pepper W Drew.
Best: Richmond: T Lynch B Ellis J Caddy. Port Adelaide: T Rockliff B Ebert T Boak.
Injuries: Nil.
Reports: Nil.
Umpires: Simon Meredith, Craig Fleer, Hayden Gavine.
Official Crowd: 38,864 at Adelaide Oval.
