The Tigers flexed their premiership muscles on Tuesday night, sending an ominous warning to rivals with a commanding 12.10 (82) to 4.17 (41) victory against a wasteful Brisbane at Metricon Stadium.
It was their 15th straight win against the Lions and sets up a tantilising match against League leader Port Adelaide on Saturday night.
In a match eerily similar to last year's qualifying final, Richmond punished a Brisbane outfit that frittered away chance after chance after chance in front of goal.
Tom Lynch (three goals) got the better of Harris Andrews in their heavyweight battle, particularly in the pivotal first half, while Dustin Martin (24 disposals and three goal assists) continued his blazing mid-season form.
Shai Bolton was magnificent in the midfield, kicking a 65m second-quarter goal to go along with 24 disposals and six clearances, while Jack Riewoldt found some form with four goals.
After the Lions kicked the game's first two goals, Richmond got on top, blowing the game open in the second term, kicking five goals to one despite having just nine inside 50s to their opponents' 14.
Brisbane did not help itself, missing many easy shots at goal, most notably Sam Skinner's from the top of the goalsquare – but he had plenty of guilty mates.
When dominating field position for much of the third quarter the Lions kicked 0.7 to Richmond's 1.1, which just about summed up the game.
Lachie Neale had another sublime midfield performance, racking up 26 disposals.
RICHMOND 3.3 8.5 9.6 12.10 (82)
BRISBANE 2.3 3.8 3.15 4.17 (41)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Lynch 3, Aarts 2, Bolton, Higgins, Pickett
Brisbane: Cameron, Hipwood, McCarthy, Zorko
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Bolton, Lynch, Baker, Short, Balta
Brisbane: Neale, McInerney, McCarthy, Ah Chee, Lyons
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Brisbane: Rayner (hamstring)
