Ladder leaders Richmond again proved why they are ahead of the rest of the competition in the flag race with a 47-point win over Adelaide on Friday night at the MCG.

Like always, the Tigers' fierce tackling, surging ball movement and an even contribution underpinned a 15.13 (103) to 8.8 (56) victory.

The gap between Richmond and Adelaide appears to have grown since last year's Grand Final, and the defeat leaves the Crows in strife for their bid to make the top-eight.

After a Grand Final shocker, Crows skipper Taylor Walker was again quiet with only 11 disposals and a goal, but they would have been buoyed by the game of Rory Sloane, who picked up 31 disposals in his second game back from injury.

The Tigers' win was their 17th straight at the MCG, which equaled Melbourne's all-time record from 1955-56.

Kane Lambert (33 disposals), Dion Prestia (28) and Shaun Grigg (28) were excellent in the midfield, while Martin was one of six Tigers to kick two goals to go with his 30 disposals.

Defender Tom Doedee was one of Adelaide's best, furthering his claims as one of the favourites for the NAB AFL Rising Star after 27 disposals and eight marks. Matt Crouch also had a game-high 38 disposals, but Adelaide's winners were few and far between.

Richmond led by only six points at the first change but looked the better side in the opening quarter after a slow start. It took a Jack Riewoldt high mark and converted shot 20 minutes into the term for the Tigers to nail their first goal in a tight beginning.

The Tigers looked the more dangerous side when pushing forward and were getting plenty of rebound from loose defender Nathan Broad, who collected 10 disposals in the opening term and created some forward forays.

They put their foot down in the second term, booting five goals to lead by 22 points at the main change. The run of goals included Riewoldt's big leap and snap, a smart shot from Callum Moore on the run and also a long goal from Jayden Short.

Short's error in the final moments of the half – when he was pinged in Adelaide's goalsquare for running too far and Josh Jenkins kicked his second goal of the term – was the only downside for the Tigers. But it didn't seem like it would be too costly, with Richmond controlling the contest.

Adelaide hung around, though. Led by their midfield, they won the third term and dragged the deficit back to 16 points at the final change.

But Richmond rose to the challenge, with early goals to Josh Caddy and then Rioli sealing the win.

MEDICAL ROOM

Richmond: Premiership hero Jack Graham suffered what looked to be a serious shoulder injury in the third quarter in an attempted tackle. He watched the rest of the game with his arm in a sling.  

Adelaide: Key back Daniel Talia headed to the Crows' rooms at the quarter time break for further assessment on a foot injury. He spent periods of the game thereafter on the bench testing the injury but played out the game. Richard Douglas limped from the field in the final term with a right ankle injury.

NEXT UP

The Crows host Geelong next Thursday night at Adelaide Oval in what shapes as a huge game in the context of their finals hopes. Richmond travels to Spotless Stadium to take on Greater Western Sydney on Saturday night. 

RICHMOND    2.3       7.8       9.10     15.13 (103)
ADELAIDE      1.3       4.4       7.6       8.8 (56)

GOALS
Richmond: Edwards 2, Martin 2, Caddy 2, Moore 2, Riewoldt 2, Rioli 2, Short, Butler, Prestia
Adelaide: Jenkins 3, Seedsman, Gallucci, Walker, Fogarty, Greenwood

BEST 
Richmond: Martin, Astbury, Grimes, Lambert, Edwards, Grigg
Adelaide: Sloane, M.Crouch, Doedee, Laird, Jenkins

INJURIES 
Richmond: Graham (shoulder), Butler (ankle), Broad (cheekbone), Rioli (groin soreness)
Adelaide: Talia (foot), Douglas (ankle)

Reports: Nil

Umpires: Margetts, Williamson, Fleer 

Official crowd: 54,934 at the MCG