An undermanned Richmond outfit has fought off Sydney to win by eight points in greasy conditions at the Gabba on Sunday afternoon.
In what was a hard watch for large parts, the Tigers did just enough to get over Sydney, setting up well enough behind the ball to stifle any sustained form of attack as the Swans set about parking the bus in defence.
One positive for the Swans was Callum Mills’ game, who was a rock in defence and arguably best on ground in a losing side.
Sunday afternoon's clash was the second lowest scoring match in the AFL era and Sydney's lowest-ever score under John Longmire.
Here’s everything you need to know!
Sydney face more injury troubles
The Swans’ injury troubles in 2020 have continued, with veteran midfielder Josh Kennedy going down with a medial ligament injury in the first quarter.
The 32-year-old was visibly in pain after tackling Marlion Pickett and his left knee was immediately iced following the incident.
It’s a worry for Longmire, who now could face a period of time without the star midfielder.
He joins an injury list that already includes the likes of Lance Franklin, Tom McCartin, Lewis Melican and Callum Sinclair.
Could Pickett be in hot water?
It’s been a weekend of high-profile bumping incidents and that continued on Sunday. Pickett could be in trouble for a bump on Isaac Heeney in the first half of the clash.
In Pickett’s favour is the fact Heeney returned to the field before eventually succumbing to an ankle injury but there’d be some form of concern at Richmond about his availability for next week.
What’s next?
Richmond will still be missing a large chunk of their best side in the coming weeks but next Saturday night against a struggling North Melbourne looms as another crucial opportunity to keep notching up wins despite being severely undermanned.
Meanwhile, Sydney return to the SCG to face a Suns outfit who have lost consecutive matches.
Could Marlion Pickett have a case to answer?pic.twitter.com/ME5gliYKci#AFLTigersSwans
— SEN 1116 (@1116sen) July 12, 2020
FULL SCORE
Richmond: 3.3 / 3.5 / 4.7 / 4.10 (34)
Sydney: 1.3 / 2.3 / 2.5 / 3.8 (26)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt, Bolton, Lynch, Martin
Sydney: Papley 2, Rowbottom
BEST
Richmond: Lambert, Higgins, Short
Sydney: Mills, Clarke, Lloyd
Reports: Nil
INJURIES
Richmond: n/a
Sydney: Kennedy (medial), Heeney (ankle)