Richmond beat Eagles to continue AFL top-eight charge

Although 11th-placed Richmond (8-1-8) failed to give their percentage a huge boost, they are now just half a win adrift of the sixth-placed St Kilda, seventh-placed Western Bulldogs, and eighth-placed Essendon.

Richmond are 5-2 under interim coach Andrew McQualter, including five wins from their past six matches.

The Tigers might jump into the top eight if they can beat lowly Hawthorn next Saturday at the MCG, and they round out their season with games against Melbourne, Western Bulldogs, St Kilda, North Melbourne and Port Adelaide.

Tigers speedster Shai Bolton finished with 2.4 from 23 disposals against West Coast, while veteran Dustin Martin tallied 23 possessions, four clearances and 2.2 in a lively display.

Martin could be in trouble for an off-the-ball elbow to the midriff of Eagles defender Alex Witherden, but the incident is more likely to attract a fine rather than suspension.

West Coast veteran Andrew Gaff came on as the sub in the first quarter when Reuben Ginbey succumbed to a hamstring injury.

Gaff, who tallied just six disposals against Brisbane last week, finished with 24 possessions in a much better display.

Forward Oscar Allen kicked three goals after overcoming a wrist injury scare in the second quarter.

West Coast were particularly ravaged by injury concerns during the opening term, but most of their stricken players were able to return to the field.

Star defender Jeremy McGovern went off within the first two minutes after an accidental boot to the face from teammate Liam Duggan.

Tom Barrass was left worse for wear after falling head first into the turf in a spoiling attempt on Jack Riewoldt, and Ginbey was subbed off midway through the quarter with a hamstring injury.

McGovern returned just before quarter time after a concussion test, and Barrass was also cleared to return.

Richmond dominated the inside 50m battle 18-6 in the opening quarter, but their lead was a meagre 11 points at the first change.

The game was still in the balance until the Tigers struck a series of rapid blows either side of half-time.

Liam Baker and Ivan Soldo posted goals just before half-time, and Richmond unleashed a four-goal burst in four minutes to start the third quarter to extend the lead to 47 points.

Eagles forward Jack Darling kicked his 500th career goal late in the third term when he marked in the pocket and snapped truly, sparking a huge cheer among the 40,501 fans in attendance.

And when Oscar Allen followed it with another goal moments later, the margin was back to 29 points at the final change. 

But there would be no fairytale fightback, with Richmond holding West Coast at arm's length before kicking the final two goals.