Richmond coach Damien Hardwick paid tribute to his side's defensive pressure as the Tigers powered into the AFL top-four with Saturday night's impressive win over bogey side North Melbourne.
The Tigers had beaten the Kangaroos just twice in 10 meetings leading into their round-11 clash but rode a third-quarter blitz to a 14.17 (101) to 9.12 (66) win at Etihad Stadium.
Hardwick's side moved into fourth spot with the victory that improved their record to seven wins and four losses.
Hardwick is confident the Tigers have developed a high-pressure game that will serve them well as they seek to keep pace with the top tier of the competition.
"It's an interesting one perceived pressure ... I think we're the No.1 in the AFL for (creating) forward half turnovers, so sometimes you're reputation probably precedes you," Hardwick said after the Roos repeatedly gave back the ball.
"When you've got guys like (Daniel) Rioli, (Shai) Bolton, (Jason) Castagna and (Dan) Butler ... knowing they're coming I think sometimes that puts a bit of pressure on the opposition.
"So they probably get rid of (the ball) half a step earlier.
"People will say that (North) kicked it away but I think our reputation is pretty strong in that (area)."
The outlook is decidedly better for Hardwick's side as they enter their bye round with back-to-back wins after enduring a frustrating run of four close losses.
"It's not to say it works all the time - at some stages we're going to have a down period," Hardwick continued.
"But overall with the defensive work rate of our players I think we can get the game on our terms more often than not."
Round 11 saw a changing of the guard at the top of the AFL ladder with Greater Western Sydney replacing Adelaide.
The Giants defeated Essendon by 16 points at Spotless Stadium to improve to a 9-2 record, while the Crows suffered a disappointing 22-point defeat at the hands of Geelong at Simonds Stadium.
It's the first time in the Giants' history that they've sat atop the AFL tree.
"It's great to be on top of the ladder - it means we've won again - but realistically, it doesn't change anything," GWS coach Leon Cameron said after the 18.9 (117) to 15.11 (101) win.
"The most pleasing thing is to come back from Perth and back up and win again."
Gold Coast produced the upset of the round when they shocked West Coast by three points - 11.14 (80) to 11.11 (77) - at Metricon Stadium on Saturday.
Peter Wright was the hero for the Suns with a mark and goal inside the last two minutes to put his side in front.
Port Adelaide kicked the round off with a 51-point belting of Hawthorn at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.
The Hawks' first half score of 0.3 was the lowest in the club's history.
Fremantle host Collingwood at Domain Stadium in the final match of the round.
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