The Brisbane Lions returned to the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on April 5, 2025, for their first match since last season's grand final, and they did not disappoint. The Lions delivered a commanding performance, defeating the Richmond Tigers 118 to 90 in a game that showcased their star-studded midfield and potent forward line.
Lions' midfielders Lachie Neale, Will Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley, and Hugh McCluggage were the architects of the victory, combining for a staggering 122 disposals. Neale led the charge with 42 disposals, while Ashcroft contributed significantly with 24 disposals and two goals, including a spectacular goal from the boundary late in the third quarter that electrified the crowd.
Neale's performance was particularly noteworthy, as he continues to establish himself as one of the league's elite players. Former Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley praised Neale's consistency, stating, "He’s been able to find the ball in clearance and transition. He’s had 22 touches and been everywhere. It’s phenomenal how consistent he has been throughout his career." Neale's ability to control the game was evident, and he was a significant factor in the Lions' midfield dominance.
Meanwhile, Ashcroft's performance was a highlight for Lions fans, especially as he linked up with his brother Levi throughout the match, drawing comparisons to the famous Daicos brothers at Collingwood. Buckley added, "The Lions kill with 1000 cuts. If it’s not Neale, it’s Ashcroft; if not, it’s McCluggage. They just keep finding players … they’re so hard to stop when they get a run on."
McCluggage also shone with 26 disposals and two goals, while Dunkley contributed 30 disposals and 10 tackles, showcasing the depth and talent of the Lions' midfield. The Lions' ability to spread the ball and maintain pressure on the Tigers was evident throughout the match.
Despite the impressive victory, the Lions had moments of concern, particularly in the latter stages of quarters where they allowed Richmond to score several "red time" goals. Six of Richmond's nine goals came after the 20th minute of a quarter, a statistic that Buckley noted could be a point of focus for coach Chris Fagan moving forward. "It’s understandable it can happen late in games. It’s not going to affect the result today but it is something you want to keep an eye on as a coach so you’re doing the fundamentals well all the time," he said.
On the other side of the field, Richmond displayed resilience and grit, particularly in the latter stages of the game. They managed to kick three of the last four goals of the third term, demonstrating their ability to maintain momentum even when facing a strong opponent. Hawks legend Jason Dunstall noted, "Just to get back a little momentum and give them a bit of hope and say: ‘When we persist and do the right things, we get the reward.’"
Richmond's Sam Lalor was a standout performer, finishing with a season-high 24 touches and 10 score involvements, while other young talents like Luke Trainor, Steely Green, and Seth Campbell also made significant contributions. Dunstall remarked that this performance should leave Richmond fans feeling optimistic, saying, "They’ve had a real go; there’s been some structure and signs down back, through the middle and up forward. A long way to go but they’ve been competitive."
As the match unfolded, the heightened security measures at the MCG, implemented following a recent gun scare, were also a talking point. Fans experienced longer queues as they entered the stadium, with increased screening protocols including AI-powered body scanners and thorough bag checks. While some fans expressed frustration at the delays, many understood the necessity of the enhanced security. One fan noted, "After what happened, they needed to improve something, but they need to improve the flow [of the queue], particularly if this is a Friday night game, and everyone gets here at 6.30pm."
Despite the security concerns, the atmosphere at the MCG remained electric as fans were treated to a thrilling contest. The Lions' victory keeps them undefeated at 4-0 this season, solidifying their position as serious contenders for another premiership. However, as Buckley pointed out, there are still areas for improvement. "The Lions have well and truly done enough to win, but it’s glass half full and half empty. There will be plenty of things they’d love to improve … they’ve got sloppy at times late in quarters," he said.
In conclusion, the Brisbane Lions' strong performance against the Richmond Tigers at the MCG not only showcased their talent but also highlighted areas for growth as they aim for another successful season. With their star midfield leading the way, the Lions are poised to make waves in the league, while Richmond's young guns continue to show promise for the future.
