An eight-goal second quarter propelled Sydney to a 17.15 (117) to 10.12 (72) win over back-to-back reigning premiers Richmond, in an outclassing at the MCG on Saturday afternoon.

It was the half-an-hour of power that saw Sydney jump to a 40-point half-time lead over the Tigers, who were unorganised, out-hustled and dominated by the young Swans.

Co-captains Josh Kennedy (27 disposals) and Luke Parker (29) helped the Swans smash Richmond's feted midfield, as well as Rising Star winner Callum Mills (31), while ruck recruit Tom Hickey exposed the Tigers by floating forward with two valuable goals and 15 hit-outs.

Richmond supporters would have struggled to remember their side being beaten like this in person. Superstar Dustin Martin tried but was subdued, while gun forward Jack Riewoldt didn't have the impact of the opening two rounds. The Tigers' hard-to-penetrate defence was also separated and opened up, making scoring easy for the Swans. The loss of triple-premiership midfielder Dion Prestia to a hamstring strain in the first quarter and Kamdyn McIntosh to a head knock in the final term, further soured their afternoon.
 
The signs were there early for the Swans, who arrived undaunted by their opposition. They deserved a bigger lead than eight points heading into the second term, but were clearly buoyed by their start when the improving Warner powered a goal through to kick-off the second term, before Papley snapped one from the pocket.
 
Richmond threatened to strike back with consecutive goals, but it was Sydney's response which set up the win.

Hayden McLean, in for the missing Lance Franklin, stepped up with a set shot, before Sam Wicks did the same. Isaac Heeney curled another through, before Chad Warner busted through a tackle and smashed through a long goal. Logan McDonald trickled one from the top of the square and then Wicks booted a composed kick after a free kick on the half-time siren.
 
Richmond's credentials meant they were considered a possibility for a second-half comeback only for a moment, but it was never allowed.

RICHMOND 1.3 4.6 7.9 10.12 (72)
SYDNEY 2.5 8.10 15.12 17.15 (117)

GOALS
Richmond: Lynch 3, Castagna 2, Rioli 2, Riewoldt, Edwards, Aarts
Sydney: Papley 4, Wicks 3, Heeney 2, Hickey 2, McDonald 2, Warner 2, Parker, McLean

BEST
Richmond: Short, Baker, Lambert, Castagna, Lynch
Sydney: Wicks, Papley, Mills, Parker, Florent, Kennedy

INJURIES
Richmond: McIntosh (concussion), Prestia (hamstring)
Sydney: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Rioli (replaced Prestia)
Sydney: Bell (unused)

CROWD
43,637 at MCG