They weren't at their best but the Western Bulldogs have again found a way to win, this time coming from behind to hand Richmond a stunning five-point loss.
The Tigers led by a game-high 32 points early in the second quarter at Etihad Stadium on Saturday, but couldn't stop the reigning premiers grinding out an 11.14 (80) to 11.9 (75) win in front of 46,387 fans.
"We're making extremely hard work of (our wins) but it doesn't help when the opposition play as well as they did," Bulldogs coach Luke Beveridge said after his side improved to a 5-2 record.
"They torched us early, but again, our players showed our big their hearts are.
"We'd love them to be able to capitalise on their endeavours a little bit easier (though)."
The Bulldogs hit the front for the first time when Clay Smith kicked his fourth goal 17 minutes in to the final term.
Jack Riewoldt kicked his 500th career goal early in the game and booted his fourth to get the Tigers within four points as the clock ticked down.
Richmond went inside attacking 50 in the last minute but Jayden Short was penalised for a deliberate out of bounds, allowing the Bulldogs to take possession and hang on for the win.
Dustin Martin, who finished with 28 possessions and two goals, led the way for a Richmond side that had all the momentum early.
Tigers debutant Ivan Soldo had 42 hitouts and held sway early over a Bulldogs ruck rotation of Tom Boyd, Lin Jong and Josh Dunkley.
However, Boyd was a key factor in the third quarter as the Dogs clawed their way back.
Marcus Bontempelli, Luke Dahlhaus and Jack Macrae also imposed their will in the third term to help slice Richmond's lead to just two points at three-quarter time and set up the thrilling finale.
The deliberate out of bounds deep inside Richmond's attacking 50 with 23 seconds left was contentious, but Tigers coach Damien Hardwick wouldn't be drawn on the decision.
The loss was Richmond's second in a fortnight after starting the season with five wins.
"It's been reasonable ... we played some pretty tough footy," Hardwick said of his side's position after seven rounds.
"I'm enjoying the way we're playing.
"It's contested in nature, our tackle pressure is very good as well. It's different than what it has been before. But make no mistake - we have got to win some games."
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