Richmond was made to work but eventually got the job done against an improved West Coast 128–93 at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
Entering the game as heavy favourites, the Tigers found it tough going early as the Eagles appeared buoyed off the back of last weekend’s win over the Bombers as the sides traded blows for the opening 45 minutes.
Midway through the second term was when Damien Hardwick’s side started to show their class, extending the margin past five goals as their outside runners got to work on the open expanses of the ‘G.
Just as it appeared though that the result would blowout, both sides lost stars to hamstring injuries in the third term, with Dustin Martin and Elliot Yeo subbed out of the game.
Without their star player, Richmond found themselves on the back foot for an extended period, with West Coast having 10 more inside 50s in the third quarter to cut the margin back to three goals at the final change.
While they got close, it ultimately wasn’t near enough as Richmond began to run over the top of their opponents in the last quarter where they kicked goals to run out 35-point victors.
For the Tigers, Marlion Pickett (two goals, 25 disposals) and Daniel Rioli (one goal, 28 disposals) continued their outstanding 2022 campaigns while Tim Kelly (two goals, 40 disposals) and Jamie Cripps (three goals, 24 disposals) were West Coast’s best.
On top of their Martin concern, Richmond could be made to fret about Nick Vlaustin's immediate availability after the defender collected Connor West with a swinging arm late in the game.
If Vlaustin's hit is deemed to be high, there's a chance he'll receive sanctioning from the MRO.
A closer look at Nick Vlastuin's swinging arm... eyes on the top of the goal square 👀
— Fox Footy (@FOXFOOTY) July 3, 2022
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As for Martin, although he was subbed out of the game with his hamstring concern, club officials described the injury as “awareness” compared to a significant strain or tear.
Richmond will hope to build on their 9-6 record when they head to the Gold Coast to face the plucky Suns on Saturday while West Coast host Carlton in Perth on Sunday.
FULL SCORE
Richmond: 4.2, 11.4, 15.5, 20.8. (128)
West Coast: 2.4, 5.6, 11.11, 13.15 (93)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 3, Edwards 2, Lynch 2, Baker 2, Bolton 2, McIntosh 2, Pickett 2, Castagna, Gibcus, Martin, M Rioli, D Rioli
West Coast: Cripps 3, Kelly 2, Petruccelle, Ryan, Waterman, Trew, Darling, Naitanui, Rioli, West
BEST
Richmond: Marlion Pickett, Daniel Rioli, Nathan Broad, Shai Bolton, Liam Baker, Kamdyn McIntosh
West Coast: Tim Kelly, Jamie Cripps, Nic Naitanui, Jack Redden, Luke Shuey
INJURIES
Richmond: Dustin Martin (hamstring)
West Coast: Elliot Yeo (hamstring)