For good reason, Richmond felt that this was one that got away.

The Tigers drew level with the defending premiers with 12 minutes to go and were kicking with the aid of the breeze.

Ahead in the key statistics, they looked to have more run than their opponents. But once again when it mattered Richmond made costly mistakes and Geelong was able to scramble a 10-point win.  

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick was disappointed to once again walk away from a game without the four points after such an effort.

"We had a couple of opportunities where we were out and (then) butchered the ball a little bit," he said.

"Good sides make you pay. It's disappointing for our playing group. They worked their backsides off I thought, and just did not quite get the reward we were after."

Richmond had more disposals (398 to 373), won more contested ball (158 to 147) and had as many scoring shots (20 apiece) but were unable to win. Their kicking efficiency was good in every area except when kicking for goal or thumping the ball inside 50.

Hardwick was left to rue a second quarter in which the team kicked five straight behinds with the wind, while Geelong kicked three goals against it.

"(We) didn't quite take our chances when they presented," he said.

Richmond began well kicking into the wind and was just a goal behind at quarter time. They had dropped two extra players behind the ball, including ruckman Ivan Maric, and were very effective with their tactic of running and sharing the ball by hand on the rebound.

But they could not find a winning forward who could capitalise on the midfield's ascendancy.

Jack Riewoldt, Ty Vickery and Brad Miller had just 27 possessions and kicked just two goals between them.

Hardwick however said the blustery conditions made it hard for tall forwards.

"I thought the backs of both sides were dominant but were always going to be in the conditions that presented today." 

Riewoldt has kicked six goals in four games but Hardwick was not concerned about the key forward's effort. "The goals will come," Hardwick said.

"He's (Riewoldt) has just got to keep chasing, tackling and presenting at the ball. The scoreboard will come later."

Richmond faces West Coast next week as its tough start to the season continues. Hardwick said it was another challenge for a group that was in much better form than its three losses suggested.

"We feel we've let some games slip that we should have won," he said. "It is a steep learning curve this game, there is no doubt about it. We think we are a better side than what our record presents, but we have got to win ball games."

So another frustrating day for Richmond ended in tears but the signs of progress were evident. "There is no doubt we have improved as a side but the next step for us is to be able to transfer that performance into a win," Hardwick said.