Richmond have continued their flying start to the AFL season with a hard-fought 11-point win over West Coast at a stormy MCG.
The Tigers led by a goal at three-quarter time and had the better of a rain-drenched final term to claim an 11.10 (76) to 8.17 (65) win on Saturday afternoon.
West Coast were held to a solitary goal in the final quarter, with majors to Jack Riewoldt and Daniel Rioli putting the result beyond doubt.
It is the first time since 2013 that Richmond have opened their season with three consecutive wins in a great result for coach Damien Hardwick, who was under pressure to start the year.
And while it wasn't the Tigers' most polished performance, it was arguably their most impressive so far given it came against a premiership-contending West Coast.
Brownlow Medal fancy Dustin Martin racked up a career-high 15 clearances, 40 disposals and two goals to continue his outstanding start to the season.
The gun midfielder didn't bother wearing a helmet to protect his fractured cheekbone but starred nonetheless, with his often-poor ball use the only blight on his game.
"His ability to impact the contest when it looks like he shouldn't really is very impressive," Hardwick said.
"I thought Trent (Cotchin) really complemented him well today as well. I thought Trent's second half was very good also."
Hardwick was also impressed with the even spread from his midfield, praising the less-heralded Reece Conca and Brandon Ellis.
And the Tigers' small forwards again proved an X-factor, with Rioli, Dan Butler and Jason Castagna all hitting the scoreboard.
Rioli delivered the highlight of the game early in the third term, booting a magnificent checkside goal from deep in the pocket at the Punt Road end.
It is certain to be a goal of the year contender and capped off a strong game for the crafty 19-year-old.
West Coast led by seven points at halftime but paid for inaccuracy, heading into the extended break with 5.13 compared to Richmond's 5.6.
Luke Shuey, Andrew Gaff and Elliot Yeo toiled hard in difficult conditions when the weather turned late in the game but Sam Mitchell was shut down after a productive first quarter.
The Eagles now face a five-day break before hosting Sydney on Thursday night, with the Swans searching for their first win.
Coach Adam Simpson will be hoping for more aggression after the Eagles were out-tackled and lost the contested possession count.
"We probably should have been hurt by it a bit more in that third quarter," he said.
"The ability to stick your head over the ball when it really mattered went away from us. It was just too big a gap with our consistency in that area."
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