Richmond has taken the honours, beating a persistent St Kilda outfit by 33 points at Marvel Stadium. 

The Tigers took some time to get going after making seven changes from the side that lost to Adelaide two weeks ago but were stronger in the crunch periods against the Saints. 

It was a much stronger Richmond outfit than in recent weeks, after the inclusion of big names Trent Cotchin, Shane Edwards, David Astbury and Kane Lambert.

Dustin Martin was excellent throughout the contest with 36 disposals (a game-high 13 contested) and six clearances, while Dion Prestia (29 touches), and Kane Lambert (23) were also influential.

NAB AFL Rising Star contender Sydney Stack was also crucial in the win, booting four goals, including three in the first half, in a dynamic display in attack, while young ruckman/forward Mabior Chol kicked three in a promising performance.

St Kilda didn't win, but will have been pleased by the showing of a number of its youngsters. Rowan Marshall put in another consistent game with 19 disposals, a goal and 33 hit-outs, while Jade Gresham (22 disposals) and Hunter Clark (23) also had an impact. 

St Kilda was fast out of the blocks, kicking the first three goals of the game before Richmond could settle.

Clark was impressive, finding nine disposals in a busy first term, but the Tigers grew into the contest.

Stack's flying grab at the top of the goal square, and subsequent goal, was the highlight of the term as Richmond cut the deficit to a goal at the first change.

Stack didn't stop there. He kicked the first goal of the second term before a four-goal run from St Kilda that was built on quick ball movement and daring pace saw it jump to a 23-point lead.

Mature-agers and line-breakers Matty Parker and Nicholas Hind got involved for the Saints, with Hind booting two sharp goals.

But Stack continued to take his chances and a shimmy and long goal from the first-year sensation helped Richmond get back within four points at the main break.

St Kilda controlled the ball for the main part of the third term, before Richmond struck back, forcing the Saints into errors and capitalising.

After Martin had set up Tom Lynch for a goal, Daniel Rioli ran into an open one and then Josh Caddy slotted a long shot, the Tigers had booted six goals straight to take a 14-point lead.

St Kilda was efficient in the first half, but Richmond's defensive tactics shut down their space in the third term, drying up the Saints' scoring. A late goal to Parker, however, kept them within touching distance.

But Richmond's class came to the fore when it mattered. 

MEDICAL ROOM

St Kilda: The Saints appeared to get through the contest without any injury worries.

Richmond: It was the same for the Tigers, who ended their win with a full complement of players.

IAN STEWART MEDAL VOTING

Dustin Martin - 9
Rowan Marshall - 4
Sydney Stack - 4
Dion Prestia - 1

Andy Maher
Dustin Martin - 3
Rowan Marshall - 2
Sydney Stack - 1

Brad Johnson
Dustin Martin - 3
Rowan Marshall - 2
Sydney Stack - 1

Cal Twomey
Dustin Martin - 3
Sydney Stack - 2
Dion Prestia - 1

NEXT UP

Richmond heads to Metricon Stadium next Saturday to take on Gold Coast, while St Kilda will also be on the road, playing North Melbourne in Tasmania on Sunday.