Daniel Rioli and Dustin Martin celebrate a goal during Richmond's win over Adelaide on Saturday evening.

Richmond needed to beat suddenly in-form bottom side Adelaide at Adelaide Oval on Saturday evening to secure a top-four berth for the fourth season in a row.

Damien Hardwick's men didn't always have it their own way – and benefited early from accurate goalkicking from not-always-easy shots – but were never threatened on their way to a 44-point victory.

06:28

Punt Road to Glory: Round 18

Richmond's road to premiership glory in 2020 will be re-lived through match reports and video highlights of each Tigers win during the season. Today we look at the Round 18 victory over the Adelaide Crows at the Adelaide Oval.

Richmond set up the 12.5 (77) to 4.9 (33) triumph with five consecutive goals overlapping the second and third quarters that finally broke Adelaide and rewarded the Tigers for their territory dominance. 

The Crows managed only two goals after quarter-time to Richmond's nine, following a competitive opening.

As important as the Tigers clinching a top-four spot was the further re-introduction of key members after long stints out of the side.

Premiership players Shane Edwards (personal) and David Astbury (knee) hadn't been in this side since rounds five and four, respectively, but both made successful returns on Saturday.

Edwards was particularly sharp and one of the best players afield, amassing an equal-game-high eight clearances and 12 contested possessions.

01:05

Round 18: Edwards back in business

Watch Shane Edwards' highlights from the Round 18 win over Adelaide.

They still have Tom Lynch (hamstring), Shai Bolton (corked calf) and Dion Prestia (ankle) to potentially return for their first final in a fortnight's time, so positions will be tight.

What was impressive again for Richmond was its even spread of contributors, with Dustin Martin offsetting his 12 turnovers with 28 disposals, 16 contested possessions and six score involvements.

ROUND 18 WRAP UP
  • 06:09

    Round 18: Hardwick post-match

    Damien Hardwick addresses the media following the win against the Crows

    AFL
  • 06:28

    Round 18: Match highlights

    Watch the highlights from the round 18 win over the Crows.

    AFL
  • 01:14

    Team song: Richmond

    Watch the Tigers celebrate their round 18 win

    AFL
  • 01:05

    Round 18: Edwards back in business

    Watch Shane Edwards' highlights from the Round 18 win over Adelaide.

    AFL
  • 00:47

    Round 18: Edwards post-match

    Shane Edwards addresses the media following the Round 18 win over Adelaide.

    AFL
  • 00:43

    Round 18: Tidy finish from Lambert

    Kane Lambert extends the lead with a lovely pickup and goal.

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Round 18: Caddy shows off his strength

    Josh Caddy shakes off an injury concern and kicks a big goal.

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Round 18: Kamdyn caresses it through

    Kamdyn McIntosh finishes well to bring the Tigers to a 16 point lead.

    AFL
  • 00:45

    Round 18: Aarts takes advantage of a clear run home

    Jake Aarts takes the advantage, runs into an open goal and converts.

    AFL

Jayden Short was at his penetrating best in defence, Jack Graham's form resurgence continued and Kane Lambert performed better as the night went on.

Bullocking ruckman Reilly O'Brien served Adelaide well and took the honours in his match-up with Toby Nankervis, while the Crouch brothers – particularly Brad (eight clearances) – toiled away in the centre.

Who was best on field?

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ADELAIDE 2.2 2.4 3.5 4.9 (33)
RICHMOND 3.0 5.0 9.5 12.5 (77)

GOALS
Adelaide: Fogarty 2, McAdam, Walker
Richmond: Aarts 2, Caddy 2, Riewoldt 2, Martin, McIntosh, Chol, Rioli, Lambert, Castagna

BEST
Adelaide: O'Brien, B.Crouch, M.Crouch, Lynch, Laird, Smith
Richmond: Edwards, Martin, Short, Graham, Lambert, Vlastuin

INJURIES
Adelaide: Brown (hamstring)
Richmond: Caddy (knee), Aarts (shoulder)