Two fourth-quarter goals from Richmond's Jack Graham has dragged an inaccurate Tigers to a 13-point win over a gallant Sydney at a wet and wild MCG.

The game was up for grabs with just one point in it with minutes remaining, however Sydney were unable to find a winner despite leading for the majority of the contest.

It was a shattering blow for the Swans, who had a 26-point lead halfway through the second term and were in front until 10 minutes into the fourth quarter, and remain six points adrift of the top half of the ladder.

Earlier in the night, after an incredibly inaccurate draw against Geelong last week, Sydney kicked three straight goals to open its account. The Swans looked dangerous, linking up through the middle of the ground with ease and recording 55 more disposals in the first quarter as Luke Parker and Ollie Florent ran riot.

In-form Errol Gulden (31 disposals, six tackles) relished the wide wings of the MCG, particularly in the drier and faster conditions early in the game, while lively small forward Tom Papley threatened throughout the game.

Tigers Shai Bolton and Dustin Martin sprang to life in the second quarter, causing havoc across half-forward with their speed and pressure around the footy.

But while the Tigers' general play was good, Toby Nankervis and Ben Miller both missed straightforward shots late in the quarter, and the Swans maintained an 18-point lead at half-time and looked a class above across the first two quarters.

There was a mini-Tiger resurgence as the rain began to tumble, lasting until Isaac Heeney's third sharp goal halfway through the quarter, the star Swan having found plenty of space in attack throughout the game and capitalising on his opportunities.

Despite Richmond's third-term dominance, the Tigers struggled to take their shots, kicking 3.6 in the soggy conditions as the Swans hung tough and capitalised on their few opportunities, with Lewis Melican and Dane Rampe settling things in defence. 

The Swans took an 8-point lead into the final term but the Tigers continued to surge. The Swans had their chances in the final stages of the game but were unable to use the ball in their attacking fifty to find the winner as Jack Graham and Dustin Martin sealed the victory for Richmond at the other end.

Talking Points

Suspension looming for captain 'Nank'

Richmond's Toby Nankervis is staring down the barrel of a suspension after being reported for a late and high bump in the second term, which caught Jake Lloyd in the head. A stretcher was called, but Lloyd left the field under his own steam, and he was subsequently subbed off. Lloyd had well and truly handballed the footy by the time Nankervis bumped the Swan, with his shoulder hitting Lloyd's head. Ivan Soldo is in the ruck wings with two VFL games under his belt after a foot injury.

So long, farewell from the 'G (possibly), Bud

The match against Richmond marked Sydney's last scheduled match at the MCG for the year. Outside of a possible finals game, it was likely to be Lance Franklin's final game at the football colosseum where he played so many outstanding games, particularly with former club Hawthorn. Matched up against the inexperienced but impressive Tylar Young for most of the game, Franklin threw his weight around. It didn't all go to plan, but he kicked 2.1 and handed one off to Will Hayward, and he provided a key target throughout.

Debutant dream to nightmare for Bauer

Jacob Bauer had a lovely first kick at AFL level, hitting up Dion Prestia inside 50. Unfortunately, he also injured his hamstring in the same kicking motion, instantly grabbing the back of his leg. He headed down the race for some treatment, but Richmond pulled the sub lever fairly quickly, inserting Jack Ross into the game. Ross – who was unlucky to be pushed to sub in the first place – had an outstanding game on the wing.

RICHMOND     2.1     5.6     8.12     12.16     (88)
SYDNEY            4.4     8.6     10.8     11.9     (75)

GOALS
Richmond: Ross 2, Graham 2, Miller, Pickett, Cotchin, Baker, Nankervis, Vlastuin, Riewoldt, Martin
Sydney: Heeney 3, McInerney 2, Hayward 2, Franklin 2, Gulden, Papley

BEST
Richmond: Bolton, Taranto, Martin, Young, Ross, Nankervis
Sydney: Florent, Gulden, Parker, Rowbottom, Heeney, Rampe 

INJURIES
Richmond: Bauer (hamstring)
Sydney: Lloyd (concussion)

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Jack Ross (replaced Bauer in the first quarter)
Sydney: Aaron Francis (replaced Lloyd in the second quarter) 

Crowd: 48,443 at the MCG