RICHMOND has kept its finals hopes alive, producing a seven-goal third term to defeat North Melbourne by 33 points on Saturday at the MCG.

The Roos were outstanding in the first half, but didn't take advantage of their 20-point lead at half-time, fading as the Tigers flicked the switch in the 13.11 (89) to 8.8 (56) result.

As cliched as it sounds, it really was a game of two halves; North Melbourne dominated with uncontested marks in the opening two quarters, while Richmond turned the game on its head after the main break, bringing its tackle pressure to the fore. 

The developing Roos have been in much better form than the Tigers in the past month, and it showed from the opening bounce, while the home side reflected the general lethargy settled over a city in its sixth lockdown.

North Melbourne's defence – led by Harry McKay, Robbie Tarrant and a dashing Aaron Hall breaking lines through the middle – was outstanding in the first half, but struggled to move the ball as fluidly through the centre corridor after the main break.

In a battle of the returning players, Cam Zurhaar kept Nick Vlastuin well occupied early, the bustling Roo capitalising on some slick ball movement by booting three before the long break and adding another in the second half.

The Tigers conceded 72 uncontested marks in the first two quarters, but tightened up considerably as the game progressed, creating a contested game and producing that deadly forward-half pressure.

Jack Graham (36 disposals) was crucial in keeping Richmond in the game in the first half, as was Trent Cotchin (23 and four clearances), while ruckman Toby Nankervis' tackle pressure lifted the Tigers after half-time.

Jy Simpkin (34 and five clearances) used the ball beautifully going inside 50, while Tarryn Thomas (22 and eight marks) and Luke Davies-Uniacke (38 and five clearances) were constant threats in the midfield.

Returning players add some much-needed Tiger balm
Richmond has been one of several sides badly hit by injury this year, but the tide is beginning to shift. Vlastuin returned after a month with knee and quad issues, and his intercept marking was key to the win, and while they've now got a few games under their belt, Shane Edwards and Dion Prestia's normal polish began to return as the game progressed.

Maurice Rioli Jnr's time to shine
A bright spot for the Tigers was the zip and dash shown by debutant Maurice Rioli jnr. A father-son product taken with pick No.51 in last year's NAB AFL Draft, Rioli shot through the ranks this year, impressing with his dedication and desire to improve. With his father Maurice's number taken by Daniel Rioli, the small forward wears the 49 his dad wore at South Fremantle.

RICHMOND                   0.3    2.4    9.6    13.11 (89)
NORTH MELBOURNE    3.4    5.6    7.6     8.8 (56)

RICHMOND                    0.3    2.4    9.6    13.11 (89)                
NORTH MELBOURNE    3.4    5.6    7.8    8.8 (56)

GOALS
Richmond: Edwards 2, Coleman-Jones 2, Riewoldt 2, Baker 2, Bolton, Rioli jnr, Parker, Ralphsmith, Prestia
North Melbourne: Zurhaar 4, Larkey, Scott, Taylor, Mahony

BEST
Richmond: Graham, Prestia, Cotchin, Baker, Nankervis, Vlastuin
North Melbourne: Simpkin, Davies-Uniacke, Zurhaar, Hall, Anderson

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Richmond: Kamdyn McIntosh (hamstring) replaced in selected side by Thomson Dow
North Melbourne: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Castagna (unused)
North Melbourne: Phillips (unused)