Richmond has notched its fourth win of the season, against St Kilda at Etihad Stadium, on the back of an outstanding captain’s performance by Trent Cotchin.
Cotchin finished with 31 disposals and a career-high five goals to spark his side to victory by 44 points.
The Tigers held the lead from the outset, kicking the first four goals of the game, and from there the margin never got below 18 points.
Alex Rance faced the task of manning Saints captain, Nick Riewoldt, and fought admirably, keeping him to only one goal for the game from very few chances.
Brandon Ellis continued his excellent patch of form, racking up another 36 disposals to go with a late goal which capped off his performance.
The milestone man, Dustin Martin, failed to reach his seven-game run of 28 or more disposals, but still finished with 24 touches and six inside 50s, producing some bullet-like passes around the ground.
Dylan Grimes kicked the first goal of his career, floating down from defence to kick a big goal from 50 metres in the second term.
Brett Deledio was back in form with 30 disposals, while Shane Edwards arguably had his best game of the season with 20 disposals and six clearances.
The Tigers face Brisbane at the MCG next Saturday afternoon.
ST KILDA 1.2 5.4 9.7 11.7 (73)
RICHMOND 6.2 10.4 13.7 18.9 (117)
GOALS
St Kilda: Stanley 2, Minchington 2, Riewoldt, Milera, Simpkin, Hayes, Shenton, Steven, Longer
Richmond: Cotchin 5, Riewoldt 2, Vickery 2, Newman 2, Deledio, Edwards, Grimes, Vlastuin, Thomas, Conca, Ellis
BEST
St Kilda: Montagna, Gwilt, Steven, Savage, Stanley, Riewoldt
Richmond: Cotchin, Ellis, Martin, Rance, Deledio, Conca
INJURIES
St Kilda: Webster (left ankle)
Richmond: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Minchington replaced Simpkin in the third quarter.
Richmond: Petterd replaced Dea in the third quarter.
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Bannister, Foot, McInerney
Official crowd: 28,487 at Etihad Stadium.
