The Tigers were very impressive as they booted seven final quarter goals after the Pies got within five points in the third quarter to win 1.17.13 (124) to 1.10.7 (76).
Concerning for the Tigers was a lower leg injury sustained by Batchelor in the dying stages of the second quarter.
He was helped from the ground as the teams left the field for the main break and struggled to put weight on his left leg.
He didn't return after the half time break.
Ricky Petterd and Jake King played minimal minutes in their first hit-outs for the year – Petterd collecting 10 touches through the midfield before the main break and King coming on for the third quarter.
Reece Conca was outstanding in his first game back from the hamstring tendon tear he sustained in the Tigers' finals loss to Carlton last year.
He only played the first half but racked up 16 touches and won five clearances.
Brandon Ellis played well on the wing and across half-forward while Dustin Martin collected 32 disposals across half back and spent time on Scott Pendlebury in the second quarter before Trent Cotchin dominated in the fourth term.
COLLINGWOOD 0.3.0 0.7.2 0.10.4 1.10.7 (76)
RICHMOND 0.5.6 1.8.8 1.10.12 1.17.13 (124)
SUPERGOALS
Collingwood: White
Richmond: Arnot
GOALS
Collingwood: Reid 5, Cloke 3, Mooney 2
Richmond: Vickery 4, Cotchin 4, Lloyd 2, Deledio 2, S. Edwards, Griffiths, Houli, A. Edwards, McDonough
INJURIES
Collingwood: Nil
Richmond: Batchelor (lower leg)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Schmitt, Meredith, Wenn, Hay
Official crowd: 11,000 (approx) at Norm Minns Oval in Wangaratta
