Richmond has succumbed to its tenth loss of the season, losing by 11 points against the highly fancied Sydney Swans in a low scoring affair at the MCG.
The Tigers were held to only one goal in the second half, after they led by as much as 26 points halfway through the second term.
Sydney piled on five goals in a row, and 18 consecutive inside 50s, to get back into the contest in what ultimately decided the game.
The Tigers started smartly, kicking six of the first eight goals of the game and controlling the ball around the ground convincingly.
Trent Cotchin was the main instigator of the fast start with 22 touches in the first half, before Craig Bird was sent to him to nullify his impact. The Tigers’ captain finished with 33 disposals for the game.
Dustin Martin continued his excellent form with an equal-career-high 36 disposals. He has recorded more than 28 disposals in his past seven games this season.
Anthony Miles was again excellent in the clinches, collecting 28 disposals, laying eight tackles and kicking two goals.
Defensively, Troy Chaplin and Alex Rance were both gallant. Rance had the daunting task of keeping the in-form Lance Franklin quiet, and while Franklin did kick four goals, Rance held his own in the one-on-one battles, while also providing great run from the backline.
Bachar Houli (33 disposals) and Brandon Ellis (35 disposals) also gave the Tigers good run through the middle of the ground.
Richmond faces St Kilda at Etihad Stadium next Saturday afternoon.
RICHMOND 4.2 6.4 7.6 7.9 (51)
SYDNEY SWANS 1.2 4.2 7.5 9.8 (62)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Miles 2, A.Edwards, Deledio, Hampson
Sydney Swans: Franklin 4, Reid 2, Jack 2, McVeigh
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Ellis, Cotchin, Houli, Miles, Maric
Sydney Swans: Franklin, Kennedy, Cunningham, Parker, Jetta, Malceski, Jack
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Sydney Swans: Rhyce Shaw (ankle)
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Matt Thomas replaced Matt Dea in the third quarter
Sydney Swans: Zak Jones replaced Rhyce Shaw in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Donlon, Dalgleish, Leppard
Official crowd: 34,643 at the MCG
