Tigers stun previously undefeated Suns in thriller finish at Marvel Stadium (2025)

And that's all from us tonight, folks.

Thanks for joining us on this super Saturday of footy over the long Easter weekend. We'll see you back here tomorrow.

Get sleep rest! Goodnight.

Richmond ended Gold Coast's unbeaten start to the AFL season in a tense 11-point upset.

The Tigers, with Tim Taranto outstanding in the middle, never trailed in their 12.8 (80) to 9.15 (69) victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

But there were nervous moments in their second win of the year, as a 43-point margin was almost wiped out when the Suns kicked five unanswered goals in the final term.

The surprise result followed a week of intense scrutiny over Richmond's handling of Noah Balta's recall.

After serving a four-match ban, Balta made his first appearance of the season just three days before being sentenced for assault.

Jeers for Balta by some in the relatively small crowd were regularly drowned out by cheers from Richmond supporters.

And the Tigers' faithful had plenty to celebrate as their rebuilding side sprung one of the biggest shocks of the season so far.

There was plenty of feeling in the contest from the outset and spotfires broke out after each of Richmond's first three goals.

It was Richmond's first win at Marvel Stadium in a dozen games, ending a barren stretch that started in 2021 after then-Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said he hated going to the "soulless" league-owned venue.

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"We've been going well in patches," Richmond defender Nick Vlastuin told Fox.

"So, when we put four quarters together, the kids are exciting."

Vlastuin, who had his nose broken in the last game and has struggled to breath here and there during play as he recovers, said he was absolutely cooked by the end of tonight's match.

He had 27 disposals and 15 intercept possessions.

"But it just builds belief (to get the win)...Gives us motivation during the week, and Gold Coast was undefeated on him, so yeah, gives us huge belief."

They did it - and breath Richmond fans!

The Tigers hang on for a shock upset against the Suns, who came into the match undefeated.

That's a loud "yellow and black" you can hear out of Marvel Stadium.

Richmond 12.8 (80) defeat Gold Coast 9.15 (69)

This is a thrilling ending.

Will Graham gets another for the Suns... just two in it now with under two minutes to go.

Tigers by 12

Do we dare say it? Richmond look away now.

Suns would need three goals in under three minutes... not impossible.

Tigers by 18

Ben Long got to the drop of the ball as it came into the Suns' forward 50. He kicked his third to keep Gold Coast still in this - just.

This is some tense stuff under the roof at Marvel.

Tigers by 19 with just over five minutes to go

Richmond have slowed down Gold Coast, after their three goals in four minutes to start the term, in what's a tense final term.

Tigers hold a strong lead - 23 points - with just under 10 minutes to go.

How are we feeling, Tiger and Suns fans?

Jed Walter with just his second touch of the evening gets his first goal (the first disposal was a behind).

That's Gold Coast's third goal in the opening four minutes of this final term, putting Richmond under some pressure.

The Tigers by 25

Here come the Suns? In the first minute of the final term, Sam Flanders and Ben Long get back-to-back goals for Gold Coast.

That will give the Suns some confidence for a comeback.

Tigers by 31

Wow, Tiger fans are having quite the evening.

It's not wrapped up, and Gold Coast could still come back from here (it would take a huge effort but possible), but wow, this is quite unexpected.

While the Suns are playing pretty sloppy, the Tigers are taking full advantage and playing with confidence and composure.

Richmond kicked 6.1 in that third quarter, while Gold Coast just put 1.2 on the board.

Tigers by 43 at 3QT

Can we get a somersault soon, Seth Campbell? This is looking like quite a percentage boost for the cubs.

The young Tiger Campbell leapt in a marking contested and tapped it out to himself to then stretch and get the grab. Fantastic bit of work.

He then finished it up with a goal. Then, Sam Lalore backed it up with another goal from Richmond.

Tigers fans are LOVING this at Marvel stadium.

This is that amazing Rioli goal from earlier:

Gold Coast have finally managed to get another goal on the board with Touk Miller ending Richmond's streak of six goals on the trot.

The Suns have kicked 4.11 so far this game.

Tigers by 31

Well, well, well. There's still a lot left to play but Richmond keep coming while Gold Coast can't seem to buy a goal.

The Tigers get another, and another, with back-to-back goals in close succession through Jayden Short and Tim Taranto.

Meanwhile the Suns have kicked 3.11.

This is quite a surprise from the 17th-placed rebuilding Richmond, up against Gold Coast, who haven't lost a game yet this year.

Tigers by 36

Tom Lynch and Sam Collins have quite a bit of history between them, with the biffing going back five years.

Tonight, Lynch is getting the upper hand.

He has just kicked his second goal of the evening after beating Collins in a contest.

This is shaping up to be a fascinating game (that could be unfortunate for a lot of people's tips).

Tigers by 26

That was an odd, but wonderful to watch, passage of play.

The ball flew into Richmond's forward 50 towards Tom Lynch. He couldn't get control of it before it went out of bounds so he tapped it back into play as he ran over the boundary.

Rioli scoped it out and snapped it through the big sticks, finishing with a giant grin.

Tigers by 20

Well, do we have a game on our hands or what.

Let's take a look at that Dow goal while we wait for the second half. Vision thanks to the AFL.

This is huge for Richmond. Young Tiger Hugo Ralphsmith kicked another goal right as the siren sounded for the main break to put the Tigers up by 14 points.

Gold Coast got plenty of the ball and dominated around the field that opening half but are struggled to convert the possession into goals. They went inside 50 31 times to Richmond's 18.

Nick Vlastuin is having another great game and leads the disposal count with 21, with John Noble is starring for the Suns in defence with 17 touches and plenty of important moments.

Tigers by 14 at HT

Right on the cusp of half-time, Thomson Dow had a snap across the body, at pace, as he exited a tight bunch in a contest to extend the Tigers lead.

It's been a while since he kicked a goal and didn't he love it. It also sets Richmond up to have an unexpected lead at the main break.

Tigers by 8