TRENT Cotchin has produced an outstanding captain's game to lead Richmond to a 19-point win over Collingwood at the MCG on Thursday night.
Cotchin had 26 possessions, kicked two goals and laid two crucial tackles in the last quarter as the Tigers won 14.15 (99) to 11.14 (80).
It is only the third time since 1995 that the Tigers have won their opening two games of the season.
The last time was 2013, when the side returned to the finals.
Richmond star Dustin Martin was not as dominant as round one, but he kicked the last two goals of the match to seal the result.
Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy also starred and, along with captain Scott Pendlebury, helped bring his team to within 10 points twice late in the game, but the Tigers held firm, kicking five goals to four in the last quarter.
Scores were level at quarter-time and, while Richmond looked better through the midfield, Collingwood's defence remained solid and, finally, the Magpies broke the deadlock.
They found key forward Darcy Moore by himself deep inside 50 and he goaled to give them back the lead.
Then Chris Mayne marked and goaled on the half-time siren and Collingwood had a handy 10-point advantage.
The Magpies extended their lead to 17 points early in the third term, but Richmond rallied as the game opened up.
Well held by Tyson Goldsack through the first half, star Tigers forward Jack Riewoldt kicked two third-term goals.
Small forward Daniel Rioli also became more prominent as the Magpies kept blowing their chances.
The Tigers nearly tripled their score in the third quarter, kicking 6.3 to 3.4 and led by seven points at the last change.
Richmond ruck-forward Ben Griffiths was forced out of the game when he landed heavily in a third-term marking contest.
Coach Damien Hardwick later confirmed that Griffiths had suffered concussion.
The Tigers coach was pleased his team was able to grind out the scrappy win.
"We certainly won't be rushing to the video store to get that first half on tape," he said.
"The struggle between the two clubs was pretty high tonight and we were lucky to probably come out (winning) at the end of it, but we'll take a lot out of it."
Many Tigers had average nights, but Hardwick was particularly impressed that his team never relented.
"Everyone stood up at a certain stage ... it's exciting for our fans to see that," he said.
"We have more players who are capable of doing that now, which is important."
RICHMOND 2.4 5.5 9.8 14.15 (99)
COLLINGWOOD 2.4 5.10 7.13 11.14 (80)
GOALS
Richmond: Lennon 2, Riewoldt 2, Cotchin 2, Martin 2, Rioli, Ellis, Edwards, Caddy, Butler, Grigg
Collingwood: Hoskin-Elliott 3, White 2, Treloar 2, Moore, Broomhead, Mayne, Grundy
BEST
Richmond: Cotchin, Rance, Grimes, Houli, Lennon, Martin, Nankervis
Collingwood: Grundy, Hoskin-Elliott, Pendlebury, Treloar, Adams
INJURIES
Richmond: Griffiths (head)
Collingwood: TBC
Reports: Nil
Umpires: DeBoy, Schmitt, Kamolins
Official crowd: 58,236 at the MCG
