Richmond teenager Jay Schulz almost inspired the Tigers to the boilover of the AFL season with a brilliant six-goal display against Brisbane at the Gabba.

Schulz, 19, had the rank underdogs on the brink of an amazing upset over the Lions with a four-goal third term before the triple premiers held on to win 17.12 (114) to 14.12 (96).

A 40m snapped goal by Rory Hilton at the 20-minute mark of the final term drew the visitors to within one straight kick of Brisbane but veterans Martin Pike and Chris Johnson soon put the thrilling game to rest.

Earlier in the last term it was Alastair Lynch and Blake Caracella, both returning from long stints on the sideline, who provided much-needed settlers for a shaky Brisbane.

Lynch kicked four goals and Caracella three to put the down payment on the Lions' ninth straight victory at the Gabba dating back to last August.

Despite the loss, the gallant Tigers, given a 50-plus points start by bookmakers, proved many doubters wrong after being listed as the biggest outsiders in a match this season.

With spearhead Matthew Richardson absent nursing his nagging lower back injury, Schulz emerged in only his 16th AFL start to warm the hearts of hard-bitten Tigers fans.

The 193cm, 92kg forward enjoyed his opportunity in the goal square to lower the colours of premier defenders Mal Michael and Justin Leppitsch.

Leppitsch's colours may be lowered further during the week after the AFL reviews footage of a third-quarter collision with Richmond trainer Chris Smith.

The trainer appeared to accidentally collide with Leppitsch in the Tigers forward 50.

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