Geelong has stormed home with six goals to one in the final quarter to defeat an unlucky Richmond by four points in a thriller at the MCG on Sunday.

The Tigers held a 35-point lead at three-quarter time but ultimately went down 12.6 (78) to 10.22 (82) in Jack Riewoldt’s 200th game.

Harry Taylor, also in his 200th game, put the Cats in front with just five minutes remaining after receiving a free kick in front of goal.

Tom Hawkins then kicked his first goal to give Geelong some breathing space.

The Cats hung on with Richmond deep in attack after Tyrone Vickery kicked a goal for the Tigers with just 21 seconds remaining.

The opening term proved to be a close contest, as Richmond held a narrow two-point lead at the first change.

The Tigers strung together powerful second and third quarters – kicking nine goals to the Cats two.

Richmond opened up the game in the second quarter, kicking five goals to one, despite having just seven inside 50s in the term to Geelong's 20.

It was a trend that continued through the third quarter with the Tigers having 11 goals at three-quarter time to the Cats’ four, despite trailing the inside 50 count 31-47.

Richmond was able to slow Geelong's ball movement and then score on the counter-attack, frustrating the Cats, who looked predictable.

At half-time nine defenders were inside Richmond's top 11 players for disposals, with Alex Rance dominating Hawkins.

Richmond was brave but could not hold on with Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Rance close to the best three players on the ground.

Martin won the clash of the two Brownlow Medal favourites, collecting 36 disposals in a best-on-ground efforts. Patrick Dangerfield picked up 30 possessions. 

Teammates Bachar Houli and Brandon Ellis were also prolific, while Sam Lloyd kicked three goals.

RICHMOND  2.4  7.4  11.6   12.6   (78)
GEELONG     2.2  3.7  4.13  10.22  (82)

GOALS
Richmond: Lloyd 3, Rioli 2, Vickery 2, Edwards, Hampson, Lennon, Riewoldt, Grigg
Geelong: McCarthy 2, Menegola 2, Smith, J.Selwood, Caddy, Motlop, Taylor, Hawkins

BEST
Richmond: Rance, Martin, Lloyd, Houli, Grigg, Ellis, T.Hunt
Geelong: J.Selwood, S.Selwood, Dangerfield, Guthrie, Menegola, McCarthy

INJURIES
Richmond: Hampson (cut head)
Geelong: Cowan (cut head)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Donlon, O'Gorman, Hosking

Official crowd: 45,667 at the MCG