GOLD Coast has put another nail in Richmond’s 2021 coffin, pulling off an extraordinary 10-point AFL upset for one of the club’s most famous victories.
Facing a barrage of criticism during another underwhelming campaign, the Suns stunned the dual reigning premiers on Thursday night for their fifth win of the season.
Gold Coast dominated the majority of the clash at Marvel Stadium, which was moved from the Suns’ Metricon Stadium base due to COVID-19 restrictions, and the margin would have been comprehensive had they kicked straight.
The 10.17 (77) to 10.7 (67) result was the Suns’ first win against Richmond since 2014, snapping a six-game losing run which included three beltings of more than 70 points.
Leading by as many as 19 points during the third quarter, Gold Coast had to contend with five goals from former Suns star Tom Lynch, who gave the Tigers the lead midway through the last term.
But the Suns, led by midfielder Touk Miller (36 possessions), came again with Jeremy Sharp, who had missed gilt-edged chances earlier in the game, making amends to restore their advantage for good.
Young star forward Ben King sealed the game with two minutes remaining, snapping through his fourth goal.
If the final quarter was not dramatic enough, two pitch invaders were escorted off the field with the ball still in play.
Richmond’s third-straight defeat leaves them at 7-8 and with every chance of being outside the top eight at the end of the round.
Just as they were against St Kilda last week, their sloppy ball use made them look a shadow of their former glory and unlikely to complete a premiership three-peat.
Both sides used their medical subs, with Tigers tall Callum Coleman-Jones hurting his leg, while Darcy Macpherson was activated into the game for Suns forward Josh Corbett (concussion).
Richmond will face Collingwood in Round 17, while the Suns are scheduled to play GWS.
(C) AAP 2021
GOLD COAST 2.7 5.10 8.14 10.17 (77)
RICHMOND 2.1 5.4 8.5 10.7 (67)
Goals: Gold Coast: B King 4 A Sexton B Ainsworth D Swallow I Rankine J Corbett J Sharp. Richmond: T Lynch 5 D Martin J Graham J Riewoldt P Naish S Bolton.
Umpires: Chris Donlon, Alex Whetton, John Howorth.
Venue: Marvel Stadium.
