Richmond has again been unable to convert a strong start into four points, as a 36-point lead in the second quarter wasn't enough to claim victory against Sydney on Saturday afternoon.

Sydney kicked eight of the last nine goals to run away winners, with midfielder Kieren Jack putting them in front late in the final quarter with a banana goal for the first time since the opening minutes of the game. 

After a pulsating five minutes, Gary Rohan kicked the sealer with less than a minute to go to seal the 12.8 (80) to 10.11 (71) win.

The Tigers kicked five goals to zero in the opening term, and it was the first time Sydney had been kept goalless in a first quarter since round 17, 2015.

The Tigers' dominance had been sparked by fourth-gamer Shai Bolton, who kicked two goals and had seven contested possessions at quarter-time to be the dominant player on the ground.

The Swans squared the contest in the second quarter and helped by a late goal caused by a turnover from Tiger forward Sam Lloyd managed to keep the margin to just 25 points.

They then dominated territory in the second half recording 30 inside 50s to Richmond's 20 as the Swans' midfield went to work winning contested possession 90 to 71.

Dan Hannebery was outstanding with 16 second-half possessions, and skipper Josh Kennedy lifted with an immense final quarter.

However, the Tigers looked to be doing enough to hang on with Alex Rance brilliant in defence, his enthralling battle with Franklin living up to the pre-game hype.

The Tigers managed a goal against the run of play after a controversial free kick for a centre-square infringement that appeared incorrect.

But Rance could not save the game alone and when Rohan intercepted a Shaun Grigg kick gifting Sydney's Sam Reid a goal, the momentum was with the Swans.

Their midfielders were relentless in getting numbers to the ball and eventually overwhelmed Richmond. 

RICHMOND          5.3   7.6    9.7   10.11 (71)                  
SYDNEY                 0.4   3.5    7.6   12.8 (80)          

GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 2, Martin 2, Bolton 2, Cotchin, Castagna, Edwards, Lloyd
Sydney: Reid 2, Franklin, Hewett, Lloyd, Heeney, Parker, Hayward, Papley, Kennedy, K.Jack, Rohan 

BEST 
Richmond: Rance, Houli, Cotchin, B.Ellis, Astbury, Martin
Sydney: Lloyd, Newman, Heeney, Jones, Mills, Hannebery, Reid 

INJURIES 
Richmond: Grimes (lower leg)
Sydney: Nil

Reports: Franklin (Sydney) for rough conduct on Menadue (Richmond) in the second quarter.

Umpires: O'Gorman, Nicholls, Williamson

Official crowd: 58,721 at the MCG