RICHMOND has defeated Gold Coast for the first time in three attempts, downing the SUNS by nine points in a low-scoring affair at Cazalys Stadium in Cairns.

The Tigers led by seven points at three-quarter time and had the use of a significant breeze in the final term.

However, they didn't make their advantage count until Jack Riewoldt snapped a clever goal from the pocket to put them 16 points ahead.

Campbell Brown's goal cut the margin to 10 points with three minutes to play and Andrew Boston missed another set shot to tighten things up in the last minute, but the Tigers held on for a well-deserved victory, 6.17 (53) to 6.8 (44).

In truth, Richmond dominated open play from midway through the second quarter and it was only their inability to convert weight of possession into goals that prevented the game from being decided much earlier.

After losing to the SUNS in north Queensland in the past two seasons, the Tigers kicked three quick goals just before half-time to snatch control of the game.

Daniel Jackson was excellent for the Tigers, kicking two goals and limiting the influence of SUNS skipper Gary Ablett. Dustin Martin (31 possessions) was prolific in midfield, if a bit wasteful, and Ricky Petterd played a strong game off half-back.

"It's reflective of his season," Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said of Jackson's game.

"You look at Gary Ablett, he had 26 touches and that's an average game for Gary. He's such a quality player.

"It was a really good contest between two really good players."

Gold Coast ruckman Tom Nicholls held his own against Tigers duo Ivan Maric and Tyrone Vickery, while Dion Prestia (27 possessions and a goal), Trent McKenzie and Matt Shaw were among the Suns' best in an even midfield effort.

Sam Day was also useful in the second half, helping to continue Rory Thompson's good work in keeping Jack Riewoldt goalless after Thompson was forced from the field on a stretcher in the third quarter after a collision with Tiger Matthew Arnot.

Gold Coast coach Guy McKenna was optimistic Thompson could be available for next week's clash with Collingwood after he walked to the car en route to hospital for scans.

"He's had a super season. At his age and with his experience as a backman, he's stood up under some fierce weight of numbers," McKenna said of Thompson.

"With Travis Cloke next week, we'd be pretty keen on a very positive result from the scans, that’s for sure."