Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has praised the maturity of his players after they exorcised the demons remaining from their horror 57-point elimination final loss to Port Adelaide last year.
However, the victory was soured by a knee injury to big man Ty Vickery, although the club believes he has escaped serious injury despite hobbling from the field with a sore knee in the second quarter.
"It was as mature a win as I have seen from the footy club," Hardwick said of the Tigers' 33-point win at Adelaide Oval.
"Port is a proud footy club and they were playing for a club legend (Kane Cornes).
"It was us against a wall for a while and I thought our leaders stood up when it mattered most."
Get your tickets for the Round 9 Dreamtime at the 'G blockbuster against Essendon
Vickery appeared to wrench his right knee while falling in an attempted tackle and Hardwick bemoaned the interruption to the big forward's season after he had finally hit his straps.
"He'll have scans later in the week," Hardwick said.
"As far as we know he's avoided serious damage - probably looks like a cartilage issue.
"It's disappointing because he's form had been pretty solid last week and he started off pretty well today."
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Hardwick was thrilled with the support offered by midfielders Brandon Ellis and Shaun Grigg for Brett Deledio, who was best afield backing up his game against Collingwood in round seven.
"To back up that performance shows that he (Deledio) is a quality AFL player," Hardwick said.
"Probably doesn't get enough plaudits from the media or his coach."
Defenders Alex Rance, Dylan Grimes and Jake Batchelor all came in for praise from the coach, despite Richmond conceding 10 more inside 50s than Port.
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A season-defining fortnight could lie ahead for the Tigers with games against Essendon at the MCG and Fremantle at Domain Stadium before the bye.
After two straight wins, their confidence is building and their season is back on track at 4-4.
"We've been really strong at not riding the emotional rollercoaster," Hardwick said.
"This season has been incredibly even, any side on any day can beat another."
