Richmond’s four-game winning streak has come to an end at the hands of West Coast at the MCG in Round 12.
In front of 45,178 fans, the Eagles surged to a 13.12 (90) to 10.10 (70) victory on the back of a five-goal-to-two third quarter.
The Eagles’ eighth win in their past nine games lifted them to second on the ladder, while Richmond's (6-5) climb has been halted, the Tigers sliding a spot to eighth.
A hard-working midfield and stifling zone defence got the job done for West Coast, which slowed the Tigers' ball movement.
Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Ben Griffiths combined for four majors and hauled in 13 marks, but West Coast's defence more than held their own.
At the other end, Coleman Medal leader Josh Kennedy bagged three goals, with Mark LeCras, Jamie Cripps, Jack Darling and Naitanui chipping in two apiece.
Dustin Martin tried to inspire Richmond with three first half goals, including an audacious checkside snap from 50 metres, but he, Brandon Ellis, Bachar Houli and Brett Deledio had too little help.
The match followed a familiar trend in every term, with the Eagles bursting out of the blocks before Richmond tried to reel the visitors in.
But playing catch-up football proved too much for the Tigers, who were off the boil early coming off the bye.
Nick Naitanui's ruckwork helped West Coast dominate the opening stages, with the Eagles winning the first nine clearances and racing to a 14-point lead.
Martin ignited Richmond when he intercepted a shocking turnover from McGovern to kick the first of his two opening-term goals.
The Tigers gradually got the contest back on an even keel and only trailed by a point at quarter-time.
Despite West Coast controlling play in the second term, they couldn't take full toll on the scoreboard.
Darling threatened to get off the leash, however Richmond finished the half strongest with late goals to Martin, Vickery and Cotchin against the run of play to take a three-point lead into the long break.
But the Tigers struggled for fluency in the second half and only booted two more goals for the match, none in the final quarter.
Richmond now has to regroup for a crunch clash with the Sydney Swans at the SCG next Friday night.
FINAL SCORES
RICHMOND 4.2 8.3 10.6 10.10 (70)
WEST COAST 4.3 7.6 12.8 13.12 (90)
GOALS
Richmond: Martin 3, Vickery 2, Griffiths, Miles, Cotchin, Deledio, Riewoldt
West Coast: Kennedy 3, Naitanui 2, Cripps 2, LeCras 2, Darling 2, Sheed, Yeo
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Ellis, Deledio, Miles, Houli
West Coast: Naitanui, Gaff, McGovern, Yeo, Masten, Ellis, Priddis
INJURIES
Richmond: C. Ellis (groin)
West Coast: TBC
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Connor Menadue replaced Corey Ellis in the second quarter
West Coast: Liam Duggan replaced in Jamie Cripps in the fourth quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Dalgleish, Shaun Ryan, Ben Ryan
Official crowd: 45,178 at the MCG
