AT TIMES it wasn't pretty, but Richmond has kept its charge towards the top-four rolling with a 33-point win over a gutsy Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium on Saturday night.

After an indifferent start, the Tigers kicked five goals to one in the second quarter and were rarely troubled in their 14.14 (98) to 10.5 (65) victory against a severely depleted Suns.

Full match coverage and stats 

The win moved Richmond back into fourth spot after Port Adelaide momentarily leapfrogged it with a remarkable last-gasp victory over St Kilda earlier in the evening.

The stars again shone for the Tigers, with Dustin Martin (34 disposals) and skipper Trent Cotchin (25) leading the way, while Brandon Ellis (27 and three goals assists) was also terrific. 

Five talking points: Gold Coast v Richmond

Without star forward Jack Riewoldt (eye), the Tigers were able to fashion a winning score, with ruckman Toby Nankervis and livewire forwards Daniel Rioli and Jason Castagna each kicking three goals. 

"We probably didn't capitalise as much as we would have liked," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.

"We probably weren't quite at our best today but still got the job done, which good sides win sometimes when they're not playing at their absolute best.

"We were disappointed with our finishing on goals today, probably butchered a couple of opportunities as well, which we'll go through the tape.

"I think overall our guys were trying to do the right thing and bring teammates into the game, but probably got ourselves in trouble a little bit at various stages."

Rioli kicked his three in a classy first quarter, Nankervis his three in the second, and Castagna his three after half-time following some early game kicking yips. 

WATCH: Nankervis roars up forward

Gold Coast had a horror night on the injury front and did well to be as competitive as it was. 

Already missing co-captain Steven May, the Suns lost Gary Ablett (hamstring) prior to the game and Callum Ah Chee (shoulder), Alex Sexton (concussion) and Ben Ainsworth (knee) by early in the third term. 

They finished with just one fresh body on the bench but battled hard for under-siege coach Rodney Eade. 

Ainsworth looks to have the worst of the injuries, straining his MCL that could see the first-year player out for two to three weeks.

"It was extremely brave, I was very proud of their effort, I thought it was terrific," Eade said.

"We played quite smart as well, kept ourselves in the game.

"We probably had eight or nine missing from our best team, so to be able to do what they did, I was extremely proud of them."

Aaron Hall was tireless and finished with 40 disposals, while Pearce Hanley (30) was back near his efficient best.

Tom Lynch was beaten by Alex Rance in the first half, but worked hard to finish with three goals.

For the Tigers, it was a workmanlike victory in Shane Edwards' 200th game. 

Martin wasn't at his destructive best, but was still the finest player afield, with seven clearances and a goal to go with his touches. 

His contested mark and goal with Adam Saad draped all over him in the third quarter summed up the difference between the teams.

In the game-winning second quarter, Richmond completely dominated, winning the disposals (102-74), contested possessions (41-31) and clearances (12-4) to set up a 23-point lead at the main break.

MEDICAL ROOM
Gold Coast: What a horror night for the Suns. Ah Chee had his left shoulder crunched and was concussed after diving for a loose ball in the second quarter. Sexton was smashed minutes later and also taken off with concussion, while Ainsworth's twisted knee has strained his MCL and will likely see the young forward sidelined for two to three weeks. Ruckman Jarrod Witts (foot) and Brayden Fiorini (hamstring) played the game out under duress.

Richmond: The Tigers got through unscathed. 

NEXT UP
The Tigers have a huge match at the MCG next Sunday, taking on the resurgent Hawthorn who are clinging to hopes of making the top eight. Gold Coast travel to Perth to take on Fremantle and will be hoping to regain Steven May and Gary Ablett from hamstring injuries.

GOLD COAST     4.2     5.3       8.4       10.5      (65)                  
RICHMOND        3.4     8.8     11.11     14.14     (98)           

GOALS
Gold Coast: Lynch 3, Miller, Rosa, Wright, Saad, Fiorini, Martin, Lonergan
Richmond: Rioli 3, Nankervis 3, Castagna 3, Grigg, Caddy, Cotchin, Martin, C. Ellis 

BEST
Gold Coast: Hanley, Hall, Swallow, Martin, Fiorini, Witts
Richmond: Martin, Cotchin, Rance, Rioli, B. Ellis, Miles 

INJURIES
Gold Coast: Ah Chee (shoulder), Sexton (jaw), Ainsworth (knee)
Richmond: Nil 

Reports: Nil 

Umpires: Donlon, Gavine, Fleer 

Official crowd: 16,207 at Metricon Stadium