Richmond stun unbeaten Suns in Marvel boilover

Richmond has brought Gold Coast’s unbeaten run to the 2025 AFL season to an abrupt halt, holding off a frantic final-quarter surge to clinch a spirited 11-point victory at Marvel Stadium on Saturday night.

In a clash filled with emotion, history and plenty of niggle, the Tigers were tougher and tidier for most of the night, riding a six-goal third term to claim a memorable 12.8 (80) to 9.15 (69) win — just their second of the 2025 season.

Former Richmond coach Damien Hardwick returned to Marvel with his new side riding high at 5-0, but left empty-handed as his ex-club handed him another loss at a venue he once famously called “soulless.” The Suns are now 0-11 from Hardwick’s last 11 coaching appearances at the Docklands.

Adem Yze’s Tigers came out with purpose and aggression, kicking the first three goals of the game and refusing to give up the lead all night. It was Richmond’s first win at Marvel since 2021 — and a result that sparked memories of their Round 1 upset over Carlton.

Tim Taranto (35 disposals, 18 contested, one goal) was immense, playing arguably his best game since joining the club, while Nick Vlastuin (27 disposals, 13 marks, 15 intercepts) was a defensive wall that Gold Coast couldn’t break for three quarters.

Tom Lynch (2 goals) and young gun Seth Campbell (2 goals) hit the scoreboard early, while debutant Jonty Faull also booted his first AFL major — a moment that triggered one of several early spotfires as tensions flared between the clubs.

The Suns had more inside 50s in the first half but couldn’t convert, trailing by 14 points at the break. Richmond then exploded in the third quarter, led by Maurice Rioli Jnr’s stunning goal and a dominating clearance game, extending the lead to 43 points at three-quarter time.

Gold Coast finally kicked into gear in the last term, booting five unanswered goals to send a scare through the yellow and black faithful. But despite going goalless in the final quarter, the Tigers held firm, led by Vlastuin’s composure and Taranto’s grit around the contest.

Ben Long (3 goals) was Gold Coast’s standout forward, while midfielders Touk Miller (33 disposals), Noah Anderson (32), and Matt Rowell (28) found plenty of the ball — but they lacked efficiency and structure for much of the night.

The Suns’ 9.15 return included several costly misses, while their inability to capitalise on early momentum — including a 31-18 inside 50 edge at halftime — proved decisive.

The win injects belief into Richmond’s rebuild under Yze and breaks a 12-game drought at Marvel. For Gold Coast, the loss raises questions about their ability to win away from home and how they handle pressure when the game isn’t on their terms.

And while Hardwick has vowed to change the Suns’ fortunes, it was his old side — with its new coach and emerging core — that delivered the stronger message on Saturday night.

Richmond v Gold Coast final score

Richmond 12.8 (80)
Gold Coast 9.15 (69)

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