Matthew Richardson previews Saturday evening's Round 18 clash against Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.

1. Jumping Jack

Jack Riewoldt has hit a rich vein of form. The last month of football has seen him fly for big contested grabs and kick efficiently for goal. Riewoldt is averaging 2.3 marks inside 50 and has kicked 17 goals since Round 10. With Tom Lynch out due to injury, the forward 50 will belong to Jack this week.

2. Contested Crows

The Adelaide Crows have clicked under first-year coach, Matthew Nicks, winning their last three games against Hawthorn, GWS and Carlton. They had 25 more contested possessions against Hawthorn and 30 against GWS, showcasing their increased forward-half pressure and ability to win the 50-50 ball.

3. Shedda is back

All-Australian midfielder, Shane Edwards, has finished his 14-day quarantine and joins the playing group ahead of the trip to Adelaide Oval. Edwards’ inclusion brings invaluable experience, connection from midfield to the forward 50, creative hands, and goalkicking potential.

Richmond needed to beat suddenly in-form bottom side Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday evening to secure a top-four berth for the fourth season in a row.

Damien Hardwick's men didn't always have it their own way – and benefited early from accurate goalkicking from not-always-easy shots – but were never threatened on their way to a 44-point victory.

Richmond set up the 12.5 (77) to 4.9 (33) triumph with five consecutive goals overlapping the second and third quarters that finally broke Adelaide and rewarded the Tigers for their territory dominance. 

The Crows managed only two goals after quarter-time to Richmond's nine, following a competitive opening.

As important as the Tigers clinching a top-four spot was the further re-introduction of key members after long stints out of the side.

Premiership players Shane Edwards (personal) and David Astbury (knee) hadn't been in this side since rounds five and four, respectively, but both made successful returns on Saturday.

Edwards was particularly sharp and one of the best players afield, amassing an equal-game-high eight clearances and 12 contested possessions.

They still have Tom Lynch (hamstring), Shai Bolton (corked calf) and Dion Prestia (ankle) to potentially return for their first final in a fortnight's time, so positions will be tight.

What was impressive again for Richmond was its even spread of contributors, with Dustin Martin offsetting his 12 turnovers with 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions and six score involvements.

Jayden Short was at his penetrating best in defence, Jack Graham's form resurgence continued and Kane Lambert performed better as the night went on.

Bullocking ruckman Reilly O'Brien served Adelaide well and took the honours in his match-up with Toby Nankervis, while the Crouch brothers – particularly Brad (eight clearances) – toiled away in the centre.

ADELAIDE 2.2 2.4 3.5 4.9 (33)
RICHMOND 3.0 5.0 9.5 12.5 (77)

GOALS
Adelaide: Fogarty 2, McAdam, Walker
Richmond: Aarts 2, Caddy 2, Riewoldt 2, Martin, McIntosh, Chol, Rioli, Lambert, Castagna

BEST
Adelaide: O'Brien, B.Crouch, M.Crouch, Lynch, Laird, Smith
Richmond: Edwards, Martin, Short, Graham, Lambert, Vlastuin

INJURIES
Adelaide: Brown (hamstring)
Richmond: Caddy (knee), Aarts (shoulder)