Richmond's depth of talent is proving a highlight of their powerhouse AFL premiership defence.
The Tigers overran Adelaide in the last quarter on Friday night to win by 47 points.
It was their 17th win in a row at the MCG, equalling the winning streak at the venue that was set by Melbourne in the 1950s.
The Tigers' streak includes their historic grand final win last September over the Crows.
Richmond looked in some trouble at three-quarter time, with Jack Graham out of the match because of a dislocated shoulder and Dan Butler aggravating an ankle injury.
Then Nathan Broad suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone and Daniel Rioli also came off for some of the last quarter with groin soreness.
Richmond still dominated the last quarter, despite the lack of interchange rotations.
Butler even returned to the field in the final term and kicked a goal.
Graham and Broad are certain to miss games, following Reece Conca's dislocated ankle last weekend.
But Nick Vlastuin will be back from suspension, Bachar Houli is set to resume after an extended absence because of injury and several other players are pressing their claims for senior recalls.
Even though Richmond's injury toll is not as bad as what Adelaide and Greater Western Sydney (GWS) have suffered this season, the Tigers are still being tested.
Richmond also are spreading the load, with players stepping up to support stars such as Dustin Martin.
The Brownlow Medallist regained form in the second half on Friday night after a scratchy start to the game.
Martin always was going to struggle to repeat last year's stellar season, but it hasn't affected the Tigers.
"He's probably at 80 per cent of his level last year, which is still pretty good, and we're 12-3," said coach Damien Hardwick.
"The pleasing thing for us is we don't require those guys (Richmond's stars) to be playing at the same level all the time.
"The majority of our leaders had outstanding years last year, they've had really good years this (season) as well.
"But the progression of guys like Nick Vlastuin, Kane Lambert, Dylan Grimes, David Astbury - just to see those guys stand up, that's what make a really good footy side.
"It's great that (our leaders) have not so much stepped back, but the other guys have stepped forward and that really excites us."
The Tigers have another big test next Saturday night when they play GWS at Spotless Stadium.
