Richmond has fallen short against Adelaide on Saturday at Adelaide Oval, going down 15.11 (101) to 12.10 (82).

The Tigers hit the front in the third quarter but couldn't capitalise, with former skipper Trent Cotchin a standout with 24 possessions.

Dion Prestia (27 touches) was also busy for Richmond, with forwards Jack Riewoldt, Tom Lynch, Jason Castagna and Liam Baker kicking two goals each.

But the Tigers had no answer for Tex Walker, who booted five goals.

Adelaide led by 24 points 21 minutes into the second term.

But evergreen Tigers Cotchin and Riewoldt scored vital late goals to keep the visitors in touch, before Walker's first half ended with a snap at goal which missed.

The Crows led 9.4 to 6.3 at half-time and their advantage increased to 25 points early in the third term when a Himmelberg shot was cleared after a review.

But Richmond then rallied: in about seven minutes they piled on four consecutive goals to take the lead.

The Tigers burst was triggered by veterans, with Shane Edwards and Riewoldt scoring a goal each and Baker booting two.

Yet the visitors were able to hold the lead only briefly, with the Crows responding with three unanswered majors including a Walker snap and another from Himmelberg.

Adelaide held a 14-point buffer at three quarter-time.

And the hosts' impressive first-year forward Josh Rachele increased the margin to 21 points with a goal four minutes into the last quarter.

A 15-minute goal-less period followed, including Crows skipper Rory Sloane limping off with a leg injury, before Rachele again took the spotlight, threading a set-shot to put the Crows 31 points up and out of danger.

Jack wins family bragging rights
It was a quiet day out for Richmond spearhead Jack Riewoldt but he did take some family bragging rights away from Adelaide Oval. Riewoldt started game 308 on 718 career goals, equal with cousin Nick. He couldn't get his hands on the footy through the first quarter, but late in the second Jack found himself clear in the forward line, marked a centering kick and calmly went back to slot the goal. It may not have been the most spectacular of his career, but it's sure to get a mention at Christmas dinner. Now, his second for the match was a lot more interesting!

ADELAIDE     4.1    9.4     13.6     15.11 (101)
RICHMOND   3.1    6.3    10.10    12.10 (82)

GOALS
Adelaide: Walker 5, Himmelberg 4, McAdam 2, Laird, O'Brien, Rachele
Richmond: Baker 2, Castagna 2, Lynch 2, Riewoldt 2, Balta, Cotchin, Edwards, Graham 

BEST
Adelaide: Keays, Dawson, Walker, Laird, Doedee, Himmelberg
Richmond: Cotchin, Vlastuin, Prestia, Parker, Edwards

INJURIES
Adelaide: Sloane (leg)
Richmond: Ralphsmith (TBC)

MEDICAL SUBS
Adelaide: James Rowe, replaced Rory Sloane in the fourth quarter
Richmond: Jake Aarts, replaced Hugo Ralphsmith in the fourth quarter