COLLINGWOOD has extended its run of dominance over Richmond, beating the Tigers for the seventh straight time with a comprehensive 38-point victory at the MCG on Friday night.
The Magpies kicked the first four goals of the game in greasy conditions and were rarely troubled thereafter, running out 16.14 (110) to 10.12 (72) winners to even their record at 2-2.
Captain Scott Pendlebury, Dayne Beams, Jesse White and Brent Macaffer were instrumental for the victors, while there were few positives for a Tigers outfit that continually butchered the ball.
The Tigers managed just a solitary goal in each of the first three quarters as they dropped to 1-3 for the season, continuing an unwanted run of outs against the Magpies. Richmond last beat Collingwood in round 19, 2007.
"Overall, it was another step forward," Collingwood coach Nathan Buckley said after the match.
"They're a good football team. They haven't had a great start to the year – they're capable of being very damaging offensively.
"To keep them to three goals in those first three quarters was the strongest aspect of our performance."
Richmond captain Trent Cotchin could only manage 13 disposals, his lowest tally since round 16, 2010, after being well held by Pies tagger Macaffer.
Macaffer was criticised by former Carlton coach David Parkin during the ABC's coverage for using "illegal" tactics to negate Cotchin.
After the match, Tigers coach Damien Hardwick said there were "some people out there that do give the protection" to Cotchin, but refused to be drawn on whether he was referring to his captain's teammates or the umpires.
"Don’t get me in trouble,” Hardwick said.
“I'll leave that one to your imagination."
The Tigers have just one victory from their first four games, and already their finals aspirations are on shaky ground; just two teams in the past five years have recovered from a 1-3 start to the season to finish in the top eight.
In 2010, Hawthorn scraped into the finals after registering just one win in the first seven rounds, while last season Carlton made the top eight after a 1-3 start, although they were gifted their spot with Essendon excluded as a result of the supplements saga.
Former Sydney Swan Jesse White was impressive up forward for the Pies, taking seven marks and kicking three goals, but star teammate Travis Cloke continued to struggle, held goalless in his 200th game.
Cloke's quiet start to the season has generated plenty of discussion this week, and he did little to quieten his critics, Richmond defender David Astbury doing well to limit his impact.
The Pies spearhead has kicked only two goals this season, both coming in Collingwood’s round two win over the Sydney Swans, and he finished with just three marks and two behinds against the Tigers.
The Pies flew out of the blocks in the opening quarter, and despite the Tigers leading the inside 50s 14 to 10 in the first term, they could only manage just the one goal for the quarter through debutant Sam Lloyd.
Mature-aged recruit Lloyd was the shining light for the Tigers, kicking their only two goals for the first half and finishing the game with 22 disposals and three goals.
The Pies led by 28 points at half time, and extended that margin to 42 points at the final change as the Tigers recorded their lowest three-quarter time score (3.10) against Collingwood since 1989.
With the heat out of the contest, the Tigers booted seven goals in the final term to add some belated respectability to the scoreboard, spearhead Jack Riewoldt finally impacting the scoreboard with two goals.
Nathan Brown is a chance to return to Collingwood's defence for next Saturday's clash against North Melbourne at the MCG.
The Tigers now have a six-day break before heading to Brisbane on Wednesday to face the Lions on Thursday night at the Gabba.
Trent Cotchin and the 1-3 Tigers face a tough task to return to the finals. Picture: AFL Media
RICHMOND 1.4 2.7 3.10 10.12 (72)
COLLINGWOOD 4.3 7.5 10.10 16.14 (110)
GOALS
Richmond: Lloyd 3, Riewoldt 2, Martin, Arnot, Newman, Edwards, Thomas
Collingwood: Beams 3, Pendlebury 3, White 3, Swan 2, Elliott 2, Sidebottom, Blair, Ball
BEST
Richmond: Lloyd, Astbury, Martin
Collingwood: Beams, Pendlebury, Macaffer, Sidebottom, White, Fasolo, Witts
INJURIES
Richmond: Vickery (left quad), Jackson (hip soreness)
Collingwood: Nil.
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Tyrone Vickery replaced by Matthew Arnot at half time
Collingwood: Brodie Grundy replaced by Josh Thomas in the third quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fleer, Findlay, Pannell
Official crowd: 62,100 at the MCG
| Player | Status | On the move? | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ricky Henderson ADELAIDE | Signed with Hawthorn | The Victorian defender played just nine games during the home and away season despite strong SANFL form and was swooped on by the Hawks in November after the Crows delisted him. | |
 | Nathan van Berlo ADELAIDE | Retired | The former Crows skipper announced his retirement in September after managing just three senior games in 2016. The hard-running midfielder played 205 games in 12 seasons at Adelaide and captained the club from 2011-14. | |
 | Scott Thompson ADELAIDE | Re-signed | The 33-year-old midfielder had been linked to Melbourne, but in October agreed to a one-year extension with the Crows, with a pathway to coaching looming. | |
 | Daniel Rich BRISBANE LIONS | Re-signed | Committed himself to the Lions long-term when he re-signed for another five years in March. | |
 | Dennis Armfield CARLTON | Re-signed | After a strong 2016 season, the 29-year-old speedster will continue his career at Ikon Park in 2017. | |
 | Kade Simpson CARLTON | Re-signed | After being appointed Carlton vice-captain in 2016, the 31-year-old had an excellent season that resulted in selection in the 40-man All Australian squad. Signed a one-year deal in early September. | |
 | Jarryd Blair COLLINGWOOD | Re-signed | The small forward, 26, quietly re-signed with the Magpies late in 2016. | |
 | Nathan Brown COLLINGWOOD | Signed with St Kilda | North Melbourne made a strong play for the 27-year-old, targeting him as a ready-made replacement for outgoing veteran Michael Firrito. Despite the interest, Brown decided to join St Kilda after the Pies failed to match the Saints' offer. | |
 | Brent Macaffer COLLINGWOOD | Retired | The 28-year-old announced his retirement in August after playing just four senior games in 2016. | |
 | Steele Sidebottom COLLINGWOOD | Re-signed | Sidebottom attracted significant rival interest before re-committing to the Magpies on a five-year deal, understood to be worth around $3 million | |
 | Dane Swan COLLINGWOOD | Retired | Forced to hang up his boots by the severe foot injury he suffered in the Magpies' round one loss to the Sydney Swans. The 2011 Brownlow medallist announced his retirement at a club extravaganza in August. | |
 | Alan Toovey COLLINGWOOD | Retired | The 29-year-old defender announced his retirement on the same day as premiership teammate Macaffer, finishing his career on 159 senior games. | |
 | Courtenay Dempsey ESSENDON | Delisted | The defender wanted to continue in 2017 but was delisted by the Bombers at the end of the season. Suspension and injury limited the 29-year-old to 14 senior games in 2016 and he struggled for consistency. | |
 | Heath Hocking ESSENDON | Re-signed | Demonstrated his loyalty to Essendon when he re-signed for 2017 in April. | |
 | Cale Hooker ESSENDON | Re-signed | There was no shortage of suitors for the West Australian. Fremantle led the way with a lucrative long-term offer, while it's believed North Melbourne, Melbourne, Hawthorn, Collingwood and Richmond signalled their interest in the All Australian defender to varying degrees. The Bombers also had to consider whether they were better off letting Hooker go so they could net a first-round compensation pick. Essendon had consistently said it wanted to retain Hooker and made good on its word in late April, re-signing him on a five-year deal worth about $750,000 a season. | |
 | David Myers ESSENDON | Re-signed | Had been linked with West Coast, but in May became the fourth of Essendon's 12 suspended players to re-sign. The new deal ties him to the club until the end of 2019. | |
 | Tayte Pears ESSENDON | Retired | The 26-year-old key defender opted to pursue a career in firefighting after 70 games in the red and black. | |
 | Brent Stanton ESSENDON | Re-signed | The 30-year-old became the seventh banned Bomber to commit to the club, signing a one-year deal in August. | |
 | Zac Clarke FREMANTLE | Re-signed | The ruckman earned a one-year contract extension in November after attracting interest back in his home state and from other clubs. | |
 | Matt de Boer FREMANTLE | Drafted by Greater Western Sydney | De Boer was cut by Freo after playing four senior games this year. The 26-year-old's WAFL form was outstanding – he averaged more than 30 possessions a game this year for Peel. The midfielder was given an AFL lifeline when drafted by the Giants. | |
 | Chris Mayne FREMANTLE | Signed with Collingwood | The pressure forward won't be at Fremantle next year, having settled on a move to Victoria. Mayne has signed a lucrative four-year deal with the Magpies. | |
 | Clancee Pearce FREMANTLE | Delisted | Fell out of favour in 2016, playing just four senior games, and was chopped by the Dockers after the season. | |
 | Aaron Sandilands FREMANTLE | Re-signed | The four-time All Australian signed a one-year contract extension in May, ensuring he will extend his stellar career at Fremantle into a 15th season. Turns 34 in December. | |
 | Jimmy Bartel GEELONG | Retired | The Geelong veteran activated a contract trigger to play on in 2017 but decided on retirement after a glittering career which included three premierships, a Brownlow and a North Smith Medal. | |
 | Corey Enright GEELONG | Retired | The evergreen defender called it quits after another stellar season in which he made his sixth All Australian team and broke the Cats' games record. | |
 | Tom Lonergan GEELONG | Re-signed | The 32-year-old missed just two games in the home and away season and remains an important member of the Cats' defence. The key defender will play on in 2017 after signing a new one-year deal. | |
 | Luke Hodge HAWTHORN | Re-signed | The Hawks captain signed on for another season in August having regained confidence in his body following his return from the knee injury he suffered against Greater Western Sydney in round six. | |
 | Sam Mitchell HAWTHORN | Traded to West Coast | The three-time All Australian inked another one-year contract extension in July, so it was a major surprise when the Hawks announced he would be traded to the Eagles. | |
 | Brendan Whitecross HAWTHORN | Re-signed | The 26-year-old utility found himself stuck in the VFL until round 17 but since earning a recall against the Sydney Swans has not looked back. Spending some time in a new role across half-back, Whitecross has fitted seamlessly back into the Hawks' best 22 and, by playing in their qualifying loss against Geelong, satisfied a trigger clause that guarantees him another season at Waverley. | |
 | Jack Grimes MELBOURNE | Delisted | The former captain was delisted by the Dees, ending his AFL career. | |
 | Neville Jetta MELBOURNE | Re-signed | The small defender re-signed with the Dees at the start of July, despite opposition interest. He is now committed to Melbourne until the end of the 2018 season. | |
 | Jake Spencer MELBOURNE | Re-signed | Re-signed with the Demons in May for 2017. Although Max Gawn is well entrenched as Melbourne's No.1 ruckman, Spencer, 27, is a handy back-up whose his competitiveness is highly rated at the club. | |
 | Jack Watts MELBOURNE | Re-signed | The 25-year-old is enjoying a career-best season and signed a new three-year deal in July. | |
 | Michael Firrito NORTH MELBOURNE | Retired | North announced in August it would not offer the 32-year-old defender and fellow veterans Brent Harvey, Drew Petrie and Nick Dal Santo contracts for 2017. Firrito called it a day after North's finals campaign concluded. | |
 | Brent Harvey NORTH MELBOURNE | Retired | The Roos' decision not to renew the AFL games record holder's contract came as a surprise given his form had remained strong in 2016. The 38-year-old attracted preliminary rival interest, but officially announced his retirement at the club's best and fairest night. | |
 | Drew Petrie NORTH MELBOURNE | Drafted by West Coast | The spearhead, 33, showed flashes of his old brilliance this season but largely struggled. West Coast has given Petrie a lifeline as a rookie. | |
 | Lindsay Thomas NORTH MELBOURNE | Re-signed | The 28-year-old has been consistently near the top of North's goalkicking table in recent seasons, and agreed a new two-year deal in July. | |
 | Daniel Wells NORTH MELBOURNE | Signed with Collingwood | The 31-year-old West Australian departs Arden St after 14 seasons, becoming a Magpie by signing a lucrative three-year deal believed to be up to $1.8 million. | |
 | Paul Stewart PORT ADELAIDE | Delisted | The journeyman utility was a great servant for Port but was delisted at the end of the 2016 season. | |
 | Ty Vickery RICHMOND | Signed with Hawthorn | After the ruckman/forward attracted significant rival interest, the Hawks swooped on the opening day of Free Agency period. | |
 | Sean Dempster ST KILDA | Re-signed | The 32-year-old remains a key plank of the Saints' backline and re-signed for 2017 on the eve of the free agency period. Finished equal 10th in St Kilda's best and fairest award this year and missed just three games through injury. | |
 | Sam Fisher ST KILDA | Retired | The 34-year-old called it a day after the NAB AFL Trade Period with Nathan Brown's arrival seemingly forcing him out. | |
 | Leigh Montagna ST KILDA | Re-signed | Dual All Australian Montagna was delighted to have earned a one-year contract extension. The deal ties the 32-year-old to the Saints until the end of 2017. | |
 | Nick Riewoldt ST KILDA | Re-signed | The club legend has averaged more than 20 possessions playing higher up the ground this season. In June he signed a new one-year deal to extend his career into a 17th season in 2017. | |
 | Kieren Jack SYDNEY SWANS | Re-signed | The Swans co-captain inked a new three-year deal in April, joining fellow mids Luke Parker, Dan Hannebery and Harry Cunningham in choosing to extend their careers in Sydney. | |
 | Ted Richards SYDNEY SWANS | Retired | The 33-year-old full-back announced in early August he would retire at the end of the 2016 season. Lingering concussion symptoms sidelined him for several weeks halfway through the year, but he returned to the NEAFL in an ultimately fruitless bid to play in one last finals series. | |
 | Mitch Brown WEST COAST | Delisted | The versatile tall was officially delisted on October 31 and failed to attract a suitor during the free agency period. | |
 | Sam Butler WEST COAST | Re-signed | The defender, 30, played a career-high 19 home and away games this season as he largely avoided the soft-tissue issues that have plagued him throughout his career. Butler's one-year deal was confirmed in October. | |
 | Patrick McGinnity WEST COAST | Retired | The 27-year-old utility retired after being cut by the Eagles post-season. He struggled for senior opportunities this year and ends his AFL career after eight seasons and 93 games. | |
 | Will Schofield WEST COAST | Re-signed | Signed a new three-year deal with the Eagles in March. | |
 | Matthew Boyd WESTERN BULLDOGS | Re-signed | An All Australian for the third time this season and now a flag-winner, the 34-year-old's outstanding form earned him a one-year contract extension. | |
 | Will Minson WESTERN BULLDOGS | Delisted | The 31-year-old ruckman confirmed his career at the Whitten Oval was over at the Bulldogs' best and fairest count. | |
 | Dale Morris WESTERN BULLDOGS | Re-signed | The 33-year-old inked a one-year deal in August. | |
 | Robert Murphy WESTERN BULLDOGS | Re-signed | The Bulldogs captain considered retirement after rupturing his left anterior cruciate ligament in round three. But the 34-year-old re-signed for 2017 in early June, saying he was excited by what the Bulldogs could achieve next season. |
