ST KILDA 1.2 5.49.7 11.7 (73)
RICHMOND 6.2 10.413.7 18.9 (117)
GOALS
St Kilda: Stanley 2, Minchington 2, Riewoldt, Milera, Simpkin, Hayes, Shenton, Steven, Longer
Richmond: Cotchin 5, Riewoldt 2, Vickery 2, Newman 2, Deledio, Edwards, Grimes, Vlastuin, Thomas, Conca, Ellis
BEST
St Kilda: Montagna, Delaney, Gwilt, Steven, Dempster
Richmond: Cotchin, Rance, Ellis, Martin, Deledio
INJURIES
St Kilda: Webster (ankle), Weller (ankle)
Richmond: Nil
SUBSTITUTES
St Kilda: Minchington replaced Simpkin in the third quarter
Richmond: Petterd replaced Dea in the third quarter
What happened
The Saints remained in the contest right to the end, but the Tigers flexed their muscle when it mattered to record just their fourth win of the season.
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, playing as a forward, was best of ground with five goals and 31 touches.
The Tigers led by as much as 37 points midway through the second quarter but started to look nervous when the Saints hit back to within three goals.
But Richmond's superior ball use, and St Kilda's dysfunctional forward line, meant the Tigers were never seriously threatened.
The lead was 24 points at the final change, however Richmond inflated the margin in the final term by booting five goals to two.
Cousins Jack and Nick Riewoldt booted just three goals between them.
Richmond's spearhead Jack (two goals) was well held by Saints fullback Luke Delaney, while at the other end, Alex Rance blanketed Nick.
Brandon Ellis provided plenty of midfield spark for the Tigers and Billy Longer tried hard in the ruck for the Saints with 23 hitouts.
Ankle injuries to Jimmy Webster and Maverick Weller compounded St Kilda's loss.
Cotchin fires
Richmond skipper Cotchin had kicked just 14 goals in his previous 38 games.
Just four minutes into the second term, Cotchin had a game-high 12 disposals (five kicks) at 100 per cent efficiency and had four goals to his name.
He basically set up Richmond's win, and made sure it was delivered.
Nick or nothing
St Kilda's over-reliance on Nick Riewoldt is nothing new. But it became ridiculous during the first half.
More than 90 per cent of entries were bombed on the outnumbered skipper's head, often at the expense of open teammates.
However there was a clear shift of tact after halftime, as the Saints began to lower their eyes.
The maligned Rhys Stanley and substitute Darren Minchington bobbed up as reliable goal-kicking options.
As a result, the Saints were much less predictable and equalled their second highest goal-tally for the season.
Hope he's in my fantasy team
Along with Cotchin, Tigers onballer Brandon Ellis also racked up the possessions, gathering 36 disposals, including 19 kicks, 17 handballs and a goal.
Leigh Montagna topped the stats sheet for St Kilda with 27 possessions.
It was a New Zealand-themed day for St Kilda, and the Haka was performed before the match. Photo: Michael Dodge (Getty)
What's next
St Kilda returns to the Docklands on Sunday to meet Carlton.
Richmond will aim to string consecutive wins together win it hosts Brisbane Lions at the MCG next Saturday afternoon.