RICHMOND has seen off Collingwood, rolling storms and a lightning delay in an eventful 36-point win at the Swinburne Centre.
The 7.4 (46) to 1.4 (10) victory is crucial amid a congested top eight, the Tigers now temporarily occupying second spot after dominating play after an extended half-time break.
A serious downpour before the bounce made the going tough underfoot, but Monique Conti was in a class of her own, hovering unattended in a sweeping role and proving to be ever elusive.
The Tigers were keen to employ a precise kicking game, while the Pies were trying to put as much pace on the ball as possible, playing on and occasionally getting themselves in trouble.
But all well-intentioned plans went out the window as the storms rolled in.
With lightning threatening in the distance in the second term, Tigers star Ellie McKenzie steadied for her second goal, providing a calming influence through the midfield and across half-forward in a somewhat frantic game.
Around 25 minutes was added to the half-time break as a short but intense thunderstorm raced through Richmond, with the normal 14-minute rest pushing out to about 40, inclusive of an additional eight-minute warm-up.
The turf was properly wet upon the restart, with water splashing off the surface with every step, and to both sides' credit, neither appeared to have lost focus over the extended break.
But it was Richmond who was able to lock the ball inside its forward half, wearing down the Pies' defence with stoppage after stoppage in dangerous territory.
Just to add to the absurdity of the game, a steam train chugged its way through Richmond station, its horn bellowing across the field.
On return from concussion, Collingwood skipper Bri Davey had 10 disposals to the main break, while Sarah Rowe and Ruby Schleicher – still playing in the midfield despite the return of her captain – provided plenty of bounce.
The last quarter was a tough slog played out in heavy rain, with Tam Luke's footballing renaissance continuing with her second goal for the game, Eilish Sheerin also kicking her second.
Young Collingwood defender Lucy Cronin left the field under duress after copping an accidental hand to the face in the third term, requiring treatment in the rooms, but returned and played out the game.
RICHMOND 1.2 3.3 5.3 7.4 (46)
COLLINGWOOD 0.0 1.1 1.4 1.4 (10)
GOALS
Richmond: McKenzie 2, Luke 2, Sheerin 2, Greiser
Collingwood: Butler
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Collingwood: Nil
