Round 2, 1997 - Richmond vs Adelaide

Richmond has started the season in fine fashion, dispatching Adelaide by 28 points at the MCG.

The Tigers led at every change to be a perfect 2 from 2 after the opening rounds of the season, winning 19.14 (128) to 15.10 (100).

Richardson flies against Adelaide Crows defender Ben Hart.

The win meant the Tigers started the year 2-0 with some solid wins over good teams in Geelong and Adelaide, as they looked to turn around their fortunes after missing the finals in 1996.

A barnstorming 7 goal opening quarter would set up the Tiger victory, which from there the home side were able to 'manage' the Crows for the remainder of the contest.

Richmond would get a little scare early in the third term when Adelaide pulled the margin back to 9, and then a major one again when the Crows cut the margin to 1 midway through the final term.

The tigers had led by 41 points during the second term before the Crows piled on the goals, but a clutch mark and goal by Matthew Richardson late helped settle the game down, and another goal moments later sealed victory for his side.

Richo was far and away the best player on the ground, in fact it would be one of his best performances of his young career, terrorising the likes of Ben Hart in defence by having 20 disposals, 14 marks and 6 goals.

Fellow tall Justin Charles also played really well against David Pittman, picking up 15 disposals and 2 goals, but his athletic prowess was more impressive than the stats showed.

Nick Daffy, Michael Gale and Trent Nichols were also terrific buzzing around the packs, and providing the Tiger fans with plenty of highlights.

Matthew Manfield brought up a nice little milestone at his new club, kicking his first goal in Richmond colours.

Stats for the game courtesy of AFL Tables

A Fighting Fury player ratings - click here for explanation

Matthew Richardson	12
Justin Charles	7
Nick Daffy	6
Michael Gale	6
Trent Nichols	6
Joel Bowden	5
Chris Naish	5
Ben Holland	5
Damien Ryan	5
Scott Turner	5
Duncan Kellaway	4
David Bourke	4
Wayne Campbell	4
Brendon Gale	4
Mark Merenda	4
Darren Gaspar	4
Matthew Manfield	3
Matthew Rogers	2
Paul Broderick	2
Chris Bond	2
Robert Powell	0