2025 Round 4: Lions hold off Tigers in the big cat battle at the G, but some concerns remain
Round 4, 2025: Brisbane Lions 18.10 118 defeated Richmond Tigers 13.12 90 at the MCG.
Brisbane returned to the MCG for the first time since their 2024 premiership triumph, taking on a rebuilding Richmond side—a team they’ve historically struggled to beat at the ‘G.
While many expected the Lions to comfortably account for the Tigers, the match didn’t unfold quite so neatly. Despite ultimately securing the win, there were moments that left Brisbane fans frustrated, and perhaps a little concerned about how this team might fare against genuine premiership contenders.
The Lions threatened to blow Richmond away at various stages, but the Tigers—considering their list profile and recent form—held up relatively well. Notably, they managed to string together multiple goals in the dying minutes of each quarter, preventing Brisbane from truly breaking the game open.
From a personnel perspective, Hugh McCluggage and Will Ashcroft were particularly damaging early on. Ashcroft continues to underline his enormous potential, posting a career second-best 21.7 rating points—statistically superior even to his grand final performance, which now ranks third. McCluggage wasn’t far behind, grinding out 20.8 rating points and providing his usual blend of poise and pressure.
Lachie Neale and Josh Dunkley also contributed, although Neale, despite amassing 42 disposals, had less scoreboard influence than McCluggage and Ashcroft. His rating of 14.3 may seem underwhelming at first glance, but a deeper look reveals he gained just 143 metres—significantly less than McCluggage’s 403 and Ashcroft’s 473. The latter duo also impacted the scoreboard with two goals apiece, while McCluggage added a standout 12 tackles.
Levi Ashcroft, meanwhile, had his most influential performance to date, cracking double digits in player ratings (10.0) for the first time and growing in influence as the game wore on.
On the other side of the ledger, a few performances were well below par—none more surprising than Harris Andrews. After a dominant showing against Geelong, Andrews struggled mightily against the Tigers, finishing with just 1.3 rating points: the lowest of his career.
Brisbane’s tall forwards continue to raise eyebrows. Eric Hipwood, once again, was difficult to watch—contributing just 3.6 rating points. Despite kicking a goal, he took only one mark inside 50 and failed to register a contested mark. While the coaching staff might argue he plays a particular role, it’s increasingly difficult to discern what that role is. The data suggests his impact is minimal, particularly in front of goal.
Day showed some improvement relative to recent outings but still has work to do if he’s to be a long-term replacement for Joe Daniher.
Chris Fagan will likely be frustrated by the defensive lapses—especially in the final minutes of quarters, and most notably in the fourth, where Richmond was clearly the better side. While the Lions arguably “put the cue in the rack”, there’s a growing concern that this team has a habit of switching off once they believe the game is in hand. Better opponents have punished that trait before—and may do so again.
Still, that’s four wins on the trot, and despite the fadeout, a 4–0 start is a strong return. There’s plenty to like—but also plenty to tidy up ahead of the Gather Round meeting against the much fancied Western Bulldogs in Adelaide next Saturday.
