It wasn't pretty, but Richmond has recorded its third win of 2020 in the second-lowest scoring match of the AFL era.

The Tigers jumped into the top six with an eight-point win over Sydney, surviving a late challenge in wet conditions.

Damien Hardwick jumped out of his seat as Tom Papley kicked Sydney's third goal of the day to bridge the gap to just over a goal with five minutes left on the clock, but the Tigers' coach composed himself and returned to watch his side hold on.

Richmond jumped out to a quick start with three goals in the first 10 minutes and held on to take out a 4.10 (34) to 3.8 (26) victory in a dour defensive clash.

The Tigers looked to their sharp ball users in Jayden Short (26 disposals), Kamdyn McIntosh (23 disposals) and Kane Lambert (23 disposals) to inflict damage, while Callum Mills (29 disposals) and Jake Lloyd (24 disposals) should hold their heads up high as the Swans’ backline battled hard all afternoon.

Sydney is entrenched in 17th spot, after recording its lowest score since round 13, 1988.

The loss of co-captain Josh Kennedy (MCL) and star forward Isaac Heeney (ankle) further compounded the woes for the Swans with the injury list already lengthy.

RICHMOND   3.3    3.5    4.7    4.10 (34)
SYDNEY        1.3    2.3    2.5    3.8 (26)

GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt, Martin, Bolton, Lynch
Sydney: Papley 2, Rowbottom

BEST
Richmond:  Lambert, Short, McIntosh, Baker, Broad, Higgins
Sydney: Mills, Lloyd, Cunningham, Florent, Clarke, Heeney

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Sydney: Kennedy (knee), Heeney (ankle)