Tom Lynch booted five goals as Richmond reaffirmed its claim as a genuine threat with an impressive 32-point victory over fellow contender Collingwood at a wet MCG on Friday night.
The 14.14 (98) to 9.12 (66) triumph was Richmond's fifth on the trot and moves them back into the top four - replacing Collingwood - for the first time since round 10 this season.
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The only negative to come from the match for the Tigers was the injury to Trent Cotchin, with the inspirational skipper suffering some hamstring soreness during the opening quarter and subsequently ruled out for the remainder of the match.
With Dustin Martin doing as he liked through the middle of the ground, Lynch dominating up forward and the fringe players fighting for their lives, Richmond was never seriously threatened after setting up the victory with nine unanswered goals during the opening half.
There were positive signs during the goal spree, with the Tigers moving the ball swiftly and accurately and providing key forwards Jack Riewoldt and Lynch with a bevy of opportunities to score.
The pair combined for six goals and anything they didn't grab was swallowed up by Kane Lambert, Sydney Stack, Shai Bolton and Martin as the Tigers did as they pleased on a disappointing night for the Magpies.
Midfield duo Martin (38 disposals and two goals) and Dion Prestia (35 touches) were dominant through the middle of the ground all night, while veteran defender Bachar Houli celebrated his 200th match in style by picking up 31 possessions of his own.
In truth, Richmond had 22 contributors on the night and is starting to gather some depth waiting in the wings if injury or loss of form hits any of its squad during the run home.
Adam Treloar (39 disposals) and Jordan De Goey (28) stood out for Collingwood, and Chris Mayne (30 possessions) and Scott Pendlebury (28 touches and two goals) tried hard for the hosts.
Richmond will battle it out against fellow MCG tenant Melbourne next Saturday night in Round 20.
COLLINGWOOD 1.2 3.6 5.10 9.12 (66)
RICHMOND 5.4 9.7 11.12 14.14 (98)
GOALS
Collingwood: Mihocek 2, Pendlebury 2, Crocker, De Goey, Elliott, Thomas, Treloar
Richmond: Lynch 5, Lambert 2, Martin 2, Bolton, Chol, Riewoldt, Soldo, Stack
BEST
Collingwood: De Goey, Treloar, Grundy, Crisp, Howe
Richmond: Lynch, Martin, Vlastuin, Bolton, Grimes, Prestia
INJURIES
Collingwood: Adams (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Crocker, Roughead (concussion)
Richmond: Cotchin (hamstring)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Stephens, Nicholls, Mollison
Official crowd: 78,722 at the MCG
