Richmond has given up a 35-point half time lead to go down to North Melbourne by 28 points at Etihad Stadium.
The Kangaroos stormed home with an eight goal third term, dominating the second half to inflict the Tigers' eighth loss of the 2014 season.
Richmond produced some of its best football for the season in the first half, with Dustin Martin leading the way with 19 disposals and four goals.
The ball movement from the backline was a highlight and enabled Martin to get one-on-one opportunities deep.
Martin finished the game with 28 disposals, continuing his rich vein of form in the past month.
The Tigers were unable to win the crucial contests in the second half, which led to the Kangaroos getting clean forward entries.
Drew Petrie kicked four goals in the second half to lead the North Melbourne fightback.
Anthony Miles won 19 disposals and eight clearances in his debut for the Tigers.
Matt Dea was solid all night in defence, and also snuck forward to kick the Tigers’ only goal in the third term, and the first goal of his short career.
Nick Vlastuin made his return from a finger injury and played in the midfield all night, winning 20 disposals and more importantly using it cleanly (90% efficiency, zero turnovers).
The Tigers will face Fremantle at the MCG next Saturday afternoon.
NORTH MELBOURNE 3.3 4.7 12.11 17.14 (116)
RICHMOND 3.4 10.6 11.8 13.10 (88)
GOALS
North Melbourne: Petrie 4, Harvey 3, Bastinac 2, Ziebell 2, Nahas 2, Greenwood, Black, Cunnington, Goldstein
Richmond: Martin 4, Riewoldt 3, Morris, Thomas, Edwards, Vickery, Maric, Dea
BEST
North Melbourne: Harvey, Swallow, Greenwood, Petrie, Goldstein, Nahas, Ziebell
Richmond: Martin, Thomas, Houli, Ellis, Miles
INJURIES
North Melbourne: Lindsay Thomas (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Sam Wright, Adams (head)
Richmond: TBC
SUBSTITUTES
North Melbourne: Liam Anthony replaced Majak Daw at half-time
Richmond: Ben Lennon replaced Ben Griffiths in the third quarter
Reports: Michael Firrito (North Melbourne) for striking Ty Vickery (Richmond) in the first quarter
Umpires: Hoskin, Schmitt, Mollison
