Richmond has ended a tumultuous week with a thrilling 15-point win against Collingwood, playing with grit and standing up on the big stage at a time when its back was against the wall.
The under-siege Tigers produced some of the most committed football of their disappointing season, with a late goal to star forward Jack Riewoldt sealing the 14.8 (92) to 11.11 (77) win.
After three-and-a-half seesawing quarters, they kicked four of the last five goals of the match to transfer at least some of the pressure they have been feeling to the disappointing Pies.
Scores were tied with 10 minutes to play after improving Magpie James Aish capped a strong night with a contested mark and goal.
However, it was around that time captain Scott Pendlebury limped from the ground with a left ankle injury that would end his night and rob the Magpies' midfield of their leader.
It ultimately proved too much of a hurdle for Nathan Buckley's men, who let a first-quarter lead of 25 points slip.
The Tigers deserve credit for putting their foot on their opponents' throats, however, with Brandon Ellis holding his nerve to kick a clutch set shot and Sam Lloyd marking late and converting.
Star defender Alex Rance was immense, shutting down opponent Jesse White and finishing with 26 possessions, eight marks and nine rebound 50s.
In his 150th game, gun midfielder Dustin Martin won a game-high 34 possessions, also finishing with seven clearances and a goal.
Captain Trent Cotchin (28) led brilliantly in the middle and had a game-high eight clearances, while first-year Tiger Oleg Markov (26 and 10 rebounds) announced himself on the big stage.
After a horror fortnight on-field that has translated to off-field murmurings and the threat of board challenges, Richmond needed an immediate response on Friday night.
But the emergency sirens were sounding early as Collingwood piled on four unanswered goals and hunted their opponents, who were struggling to win the ball and making poor decisions when they had it.
When Riewoldt walked into the protected area after a Taylor Adams mark, setting up another Magpie goal, the margin was 25 points and a familiar story was being written after just 12 minutes.
The unlikely hero to break the deadlock was maligned forward Ty Vickery, who sparked a three-goal run for the Tigers and showcased the contested marking that interested rival clubs are now taking notice of.
Recycled midfielder Andrew Moore, mature-age rookie Adam Marcon and mid-tier midfielder Shaun Grigg all chipped in with goals and, soon enough, the Tigers had their noses in front as the game turned on its head.
They built a 13-point lead by the final change and it was enough for them to protect, giving their tortured supporters the chance to sing their famous song at the MCG at least one more time this season.
The Magpies were well served by midfielders Taylor Adams (25 possessions and six clearances), Jack Crisp (25 and six) and Adam Treloar (24 and five), who came alive late in the match.
Ruckman Brodie Grundy won his battle with Shaun Hampson and was the difference early when the Magpies were on top.
RICHMOND 3.0 7.3 10.7 14.8 (92)
COLLINGWOOD 5.2 6.3 8.7 11.11 (77)
GOALS
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Vickery 2, Moore, Marcon, Grigg, Drummond, Martin, Rioli, Ellis, Lloyd
Collingwood: Cox 2, Aish 2, Adams, Cloke, Crocker, Varcoe, Wills, Pendlebury, White
BEST
Richmond: Rance, Martin, Grigg, Cotchin, Markov, Riewoldt, Miles
Collingwood: Crisp, Sidebottom, Aish, Adams, Grundy, Howe
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Collingwood: Cox (shoulder), Pendelbury (left ankle)
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Dalgleish, Harris, Jeffery
Official crowd: 49,122 at the MCG
