The Western Bulldogs banked a much-needed 91-point win over an injury-hit Richmond at the MCG on Saturday night.
The Bulldogs were a team on a mission, in complete control from the outset to cruise to the comprehensive 19.19 (133) to 6.6 (42) victory.
The Dogs kicked three goals in quick succession to start the game as they quickly raced out to a 23-point quarter-time, although the early damage could have been worse for the Tigers after the Bulldogs squandered multiple opportunities in a somewhat wasteful 3.6 opening term where they also lead the inside 50 count by 15.
The dominance continued after quarter-time, the Tigers managing just four goals for the entire game while at the other end, Bulldogs players ran rampant.
Son-of-a-gun Sam Darcy was superb in the win kicking a career-best four goals to go with his seven marks and three clearances.
Having not kicked a goal in Bulldogs colours before tonight, former Demon James Harmes also kicked four goals - three coming in a blistering second quarter - while Aaron Naughton joined the duo with four majors for the match.
Richmond's injury woes continued to cap off what was a horror night. Just as the Tigers were boosted by the returns of Noah Balta, Dion Prestia and Jack Graham from injury this week, they once again finished the game with multiple players on the bench.
Graham was subbed out in the third quarter with a hamstring injury, young midfielder Sam Banks entered concussion protocols after a sickening collision in the third quarter brought a premature end to his night, while Maurice Rioli jnr left the field on a stretcher late in the final quarter.
Prestia (23 disposals, one goal) battled hard for Richmond on return from injury, Shai Bolton kicked two majors from 19 touches and Daniel Rioli (26 possessions) was busy, but the Tigers had few winners.
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VOTE NOWRICHMOND 0.1 3.2 4.3 6.6 (42)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.6 9.13 13.15 19.19 (133)
GOALS
Richmond: Bolton 2, Balta, Mansell, Prestia, Rioli jnr
Western Bulldogs: Naughton 4, Darcy 4, Harmes 4, Bontempelli 2, Garcia 2, Treloar, Ugle-Hagan, West
INJURIES
Richmond: Banks (concussion), Graham (hamstring), Rioli jnr (TBC)
Western Bulldogs: Vandermeer (shin)
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Noah Cumberland (replaced Jack Graham in the third quarter)
Western Bulldogs: Luke Cleary (replaced Laitham Vandermeer in the second quarter)
Crowd: 38,007 at the MCG
