The Tigers struggled to find their groove for much of the game, trailing at every break. But they lifted when it mattered most, booting two goals to nil in the final term to record a 14.8 (92) to 12.11 (83) victory.
In wintry conditions at the old Princes Park, the Bulldogs appeared hungrier than their opponents. This was old-fashioned footy. Played in a boutique stadium and with a suburban atmosphere.
And it was scrappy.
The Bulldogs looked like they had taken control of the match in the second term, booting four goals to Richmond's one to take a 21-point lead midway through the quarter.
They ran hard to create and worked back to help their teammates out.
Richmond, on the other hand, looked sluggish and didn't seem to find any flow in its game.
Restless Tiger fans began to let their team know how they felt, before back-to-back goals from Deledio and Martin brought the Tigers back to within seven points at half-time.
When given time and space, Deledio exhibited his class and polished ball use and looked like one of the few Tigers who could break the game open and it was he who booted the decisive final quarter goal to give his team an unassailable lead.
Despite a pretty promising game, young Bulldog Ayce Cordy may be looked at by the Match Review Panel after colliding heavily with young Tiger Nick Vlastuin in the first quarter.
Cordy appeared to leave the ground and collect the youngster above the shoulders.
RICHMOND 3.2 6.4 10.7 14.8 (92)
WESTERN BULLDOGS 3.5 7.5 10.8 12.11 (83)
GOALS
Western Bulldogs: Dahlhaus 2, Cordy, Cooney, Dickson, Griffen, Wallis, Giansiricusa, Murphy, Stevens, Johannisen,
Richmond: Maric 3, McGuane 2, Deledio 2, Riewoldt 2, Edwards 2, White 2, Martin
BEST
Western Bulldogs: Morris, Lower, Murphy, Liberatore, Griffen, Cordy, Goodes, Roughead
Richmond: Deledio, Maric, Edwards, Houli, White, Conca, Vlastuin,
INJURIES
Western Bulldogs: TBC
Richmond: TBC
Reports: Nil
Umpires: McBurney, TBC
Official crowd: 2,000 (est) at Visy Park, Carlton
