Coach Adem Yze was proud of Richmond’s fightback against North Melbourne on Sunday but concedes a slow start and missed chances proved too much to overcome.
After being down six goals to two at quarter time, the Tigers got the game back into an arm wrestle, controlling long portions of the match after the first break.
However, Richmond will be ruing late missed opportunities, with the contest’s last goal coming at the 17-minute mark of the fourth quarter. The Tigers also won inside 50s and the time in forward half count.
Yze was pleased with his team's ability to turn the game around, and come within four points of the Roos, but he lamented the head start they gave up.
"Our start wasn't good enough," Yze said frankly post-match.
"The first quarter, we got smashed in inside 50, smashed in clearances, yeah they dominated territory, they kicked six goals from 16 entries. You're not going to win many quarters of footy doing that.
“We gave ourselves a chance to win it. We had a few shots on goal in the last quarter in a tight game scenario.
"That's all you can do is get the opportunity to win the game, and we had a few of them in the end and I know those boys (who) have missed those opportunities will be feeling that, but the method's right. We got those chances, and we'll take (them) next week."
The number of goals Richmond conceded from stoppage – four in the first quarter, seven for the game – was a concern for Yze, but the Tigers were able to tighten up after the first break and bring the game back to an arm wrestle.
It was a stoppage-heavy game, and Yze wanted his charges to "embrace the fight", which included applying immense pressure.
With the eventual tackle count sitting at 91-92 in North Melbourne's favour, Tigers captain Toby Nankervis led the way with 13, meanwhile a record four Roos recorded double-digit tackles for the game.
"That's the game, trying to nullify (North Melbourne's) strength. They've got a really potent midfield crew that are in good form, they have been for the last month, so there's a bit going on around those stoppages," Yze said.
"But yeah, that's the fight that we got in and obviously they were just a bit better at it today."
Richmond now prepares for Dreamtime at the ‘G on Friday night against Essendon.