Losing Brisbane coach Michael Voss had to look no further than Richmond's dynamic young midfield pair Dustin Martin and Trent Cotchin to show his own emerging talent how he wants them to think and act.

Martin and Cotchin were pivotal in Richmond's 31-point win over the Lions at the Gabba on Saturday night, although the final margin was not a true reflection of the contest.

The result hung in the balance until midway through the final term when Richmond kicked five of the last seven goals to win 18.17 (125) to 14.19 (94) and keep their finals hopes flickering.

Voss said Martin and Cotchin were involved in match-shaping moments in the third term and their contributions and intuition is what his side is lacking for the moment.

"A big moment was in the third quarter," Voss said.

"Cotchin kicks a goal on the left, great goal, and Martin does the same in a stoppage. That's certainly something we are always wanting but it's very hard to plan for.

"They've been pretty handy for them, Cotchin and Martin, and we've got a couple evolving into our midfield also.

"Being able to identify those moments and that's what you want players to do but not everyone can do that."

Even Richmond coach Damien Hardwick is in awe of Martin's ability.

The second year player, who turns 20 next Sunday, out-did the Tigers' key forwards with his five goal return, kicking several majors at crucial times, including a boomer from about 60m.

Cotchin's ground-level scrounging resulted in a game-high 30 disposals.

"(Martin) is one of those players that uses the ball so well," Hardwick said.

"I think he kicked a goal from inside the square in the last quarter and hit the back of the fence on the full, he's a match winner and there is no doubt about it.

"Cotchin's in-and-under work is outstanding."

Hardwick said there were signs the Tigers were maturing but they still needed to show more composure and control the tempo at clutch times.

Late in the game he sent the message out to slow the game down but they still played at a frenetic pace which could have been detrimental against a more experienced side.

"We had control of the game towards the end and we still wanted to play fast footy," Hardwick said.

"That's an inexperience thing our guys are starting to deal with.

"We've been dramatically better (at that) the last month and the scores against us have decreased."

Brisbane will be without key forward Mitch Clark (ankle) and Todd Banfield (hamstring) for at least next week's road trip to meet Fremantle, if not longer.

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