RICHMOND wasn't at its best against Adelaide at the MCG on Friday night, but disposed of the Crows by 47 points to remain at least a game clear on top of the ladder.
Like always the Tigers' win was underpinned by fierce tackling, surging ball movement and an even contribution no longer reliant on the performance of their top-liners.
But Richmond also produce a fair highlight reel, which was on show in the 15.13 (103) to 8.8 (56) win over the Crows.
There was Jack Riewoldt's phenomenal leap and near grab in the second term, when he dropped the mark, landed on his feet and got up to snap a brilliant (if wobbly) goal.
There was the sidestep, shimmy and left-foot goal from Shane Edwards, and the strong high mark from David Astbury across half-back. There were the handballs bounced deliberately along the ground to teammates, two fantastic goals to Daniel Rioli in the same week his cousin announced his retirement, and the long bomb goal banged home from Dustin Martin in the third term that had the crowd on its feet.
The Tigers' win was their 17th straight at the MCG, which equalled Melbourne's all-time record from 1955-56.
Kane Lambert (33 disposals), Dion Prestia (28) and Shaun Grigg (28) were excellent in the midfield, while Martin was one of six Tigers to kick two goals to go with his 30 disposals.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick labelled it a "good win against a good side" after the Crows got within three goals at three-quarter time.
"Our guys have just got this ability to raise the fight and go again," Hardwick said.
"We come into every game thinking we're going to win … but I think the great thing is I've got a great belief in our players that we if we play a certain way, we're going to get a good result most times.
"We've got some players that play some incredible roles in our footy club and they stand up when needed."
Defender Tom Doedee was one of Adelaide's best, furthering his claims as one of the favourites for the NAB AFL Rising Star after 27 disposals and eight marks. Matt Crouch also had a game-high 38 disposals, but Adelaide's winners were few and far between.
Richmond led by only six points at the first change but looked the better side in the opening quarter after a slow start. It took a Jack Riewoldt high mark and converted shot 20 minutes into the term for the Tigers to nail their first goal in a tight beginning.
The Tigers looked the more dangerous side when pushing forward and were getting plenty of rebound from loose defender Nathan Broad, who collected 10 disposals in the opening term and created some forward forays.
They put their foot down in the second term, booting five goals to lead by 22 points at the main change. The run of goals included Riewoldt's big leap and snap, a smart shot from Callum Moore on the run and also a long goal from Jayden Short.
Short's error in the final moments of the half – when he was pinged in Adelaide's goalsquare for running too far and Josh Jenkins kicked his second goal of the term – was the only downside for the Tigers. But it didn't seem like it would be too costly, with Richmond controlling the contest.
Adelaide hung around, though. Led by their midfield, they won the third term and dragged the deficit back to 16 points at the final change.
But Richmond rose to the challenge, with early goals to Josh Caddy and then Rioli sealing the win.
RICHMOND 2.3 7.8 9.10 15.13 (103)
ADELAIDE 1.3 4.4 7.6 8.8 (56)
GOALS
Richmond: Edwards 2, Martin 2, Caddy 2, Moore 2, Riewoldt 2, Rioli 2, Short, Butler, Prestia
Adelaide: Jenkins 3, Seedsman, Gallucci, Walker, Fogarty, Greenwood
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Astbury, Grimes, Lambert, Edwards, Grigg
Adelaide: Sloane, M.Crouch, Doedee, Laird, Jenkins
INJURIES
Richmond: Graham (shoulder), Butler (ankle), Broad (cheekbone), Rioli (groin soreness)
Adelaide: Talia (lower back), Douglas (ankle)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Margetts, Williamson, Fleer
Official crowd: 54,934 at the MCG
