It was a little like last year's Grand Final in reverse.

Geelong, trailing at half-time, coming with a rush. Richmond, seemingly in control of the contest through to the main break, left unable to produce any response to the rapid turn of events.

For the Cats, this wasn't revenge for what happened in the 2020 premiership decider. But a resounding 63-point victory, built on the back of a stunning string of seven straight goals in the third quarter, was as good as they could have hoped for.

Jeremy Cameron kicked three of his six goals in the third term, complementing a display that also saw him claim 22 disposals, eight marks and 15 scoring involvements, as he helped turn a nine-point half-time deficit into a 35-point three-quarter time lead.

He wasn't alone in reaping the benefits of the second-half demolition. Gary Rohan had played a pivotal role in Geelong edging its way back into the contest before half-time, then deservedly got his rewards later to celebrate game No.150 with a five-goal haul.

Tom Hawkins chipped in as well to finish with four goals from 20 disposals and seven marks, while Cam Guthrie (36 disposals, six clearances) and Mitch Duncan (30 disposals, seven tackles) did the bulk of the damage through the midfield.

Shai Bolton had provided Richmond with the game's first highlight, pulling down one of the Marks of the Year with a stunning high-flying grab in the early stages. It set the tone for his night, as the impressive onballer finished with 21 disposals and three goals.

But although Bolton had helped the Tigers storm into an 18-point lead at quarter-time, and had helped the reigning premiers retain that control through to the main break, his influence and that of his teammates waned afterwards.

A dirty night couldn't be corrected throughout a trying last quarter, and even worsened when important midfielder Shane Edwards added to the side's woes when he was substituted out of the game with an ankle injury.

For the Tigers, it was a bitter pill to swallow with an indifferent start to the campaign now reflected in a 4-4 record. For the Cats, it was an indication that maybe Cameron and co. can help turn decisive moments in significant contests later in the year.

RICHMOND 4.3 7.7 8.9 9.9 (63)
GEELONG 1.3 6.4 14.8 19.12 (126)

GOALS
Richmond: Aarts 3, Bolton 3, Lynch, Rioli, Riewoldt
Geelong: Cameron 6, Rohan 5, Hawkins 4, Smith 2, Higgins, Close

BEST
Richmond: Bolton, Edwards, Aarts, Martin, Graham
Geelong: Cameron, Rohan, Hawkins, C.Guthrie, Higgins, Duncan, Tuohy

INJURIES
Richmond: Edwards (ankle)
Geelong: Stanley (omitted) replaced in selected side by Ratugolea, Simpson (lower body), Dahlhaus (ribs/back)

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Naish (replaced Edwards)
Geelong: Narkle (replaced Simpson)

Crowd: 54,857 at the MCG