Richmond has overcome the loss of several key players to beat Greater Western Sydney by 36 points in the first MCG clash between the clubs since the Tigers' 2019 AFL premiership.

Half-backs Jayden Short and Nathan Broad were prominent and former captain Trent Cotchin also starred as the Tigers led for most of the game to win 16.13 (109) to 10.13 (73).

Phil Davis (hamstring) and Jake Lloyd (shoulder) were also hurt as the Giants fell to a 0-2 start to the season, while Richmond rebounded from last week's loss to Carlton.

Noah Balta kicked four goals for the Tigers, while GWS onballer Callan Ward had 28 disposals in his 250th game and teammate Tom Green had a game-high 34 possessions.

The last time these two teams played at the MCG, Richmond restricted GWS to three goals and mauled them by 89 points for the 2019 flag.

Some of the most important players from the 2017-20 premiership three-peat were missing on Sunday - Dustin Martin is taking time off for personal reasons, while fellow frontliners Dion Prestia, co-captain Dylan Grimes and Jack Riewoldt are all injured.

But the Tigers played with much more system and poise than the Giants.

Despite ideal conditions, the teams managed only one goal apiece in a scrappy opening.

Late in the first term, Lloyd and teammate Jake Riccardi collided on the wing and Lloyd was taken to hospital for X-rays on his shoulder.

After the Giants kicked the first goal of the second term to take the lead, the Tigers broke the game open.

Richmond speedster Shai Bolton sparked the surge with two goals and they kicked another two to lead by 20 points.

As GWS fought back, veteran key defender Phil Davis dived to chase down Noah Balta as he ran into goal, the veteran defender ripping his left hamstring in the process and handing Balta a free kick for a trip.

Davis immediately put his hand up as he lay on the ground, well aware he had suffered a serious injury.

GWS were still in with a chance when Josh Kelly kicked his third goal and reduced the margin to 20 points in the last term.

But a three-goal run sealed the win for the Tigers.

RICHMOND 1.5 7.7 11.9 16.13 (109)
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY 1.2 4.5 7.9 10.13 (73)

GOALS
Richmond: Balta 4, Lynch 3, Bolton 2, Soldo 2, Baker, Castagna, Edwards, Nankervis, Ralphsmith
Greater Western Sydney: Coniglio 2, Himmelberg 2, Taranto 2, Kelly 2, Brander, Bruhn

BEST
Richmond: Short, Cotchin, Broad, Pickett, Nankervis, Rioli
Greater Western Sydney: Coniglio, Kelly, Taranto, Green, Perryman

INJURIES
Richmond: Dow (knee)
Greater Western Sydney: Lloyd (arm), Davis (hamstring)

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Jake Aarts, replaced Thomson Dow in the fourth quarter
Greater Western Sydney: Matt de Boer, replaced Daniel Lloyd in the second quarter.