The Marcus Bontempelli-inspired Western Bulldogs have survived an irresistible 15-minute onslaught from Richmond to hang on for a vital five-point win at a rain-drenched MCG.
After leading by 29 points early in the second quarter, the Bulldogs' advantage vanished by halftime as Richmond piled on eight straight goals in a burst of play equal to anything they produced during their recent premiership golden era.
But the Tigers were restricted to just 2.5 in the second half as the Bulldogs settled in defence amid driving rain to prevail 12.17 (89) to 12.12 (84).
The Bulldogs reclaimed the lead through a Mitch Hannan snap early in the last quarter, but a Shai Bolton goal with 30 seconds remaining gave Richmond a chance to pinch the game.
But Bontempelli stormed out of the last centre clearance to steer the Bulldogs to safety.
In a further blow for Richmond, star forward Tom Lynch is certain to come under scrutiny from the match review officer for an incident in the first quarter that left Bulldogs defender Alex Keath concussed.
Lynch was on fire early, kicking Richmond's only two goals of the first term, but was barely sighted for the rest of the match.
After the first half produced 18 goals, the teams combined for just five in the last two quarters.
The gutsy win, the Bulldogs' second straight after starting the season 0-2, will delight coach Luke Beveridge.
As well as losing Keath, the Bulldogs had to do it without fellow defender Hayden Crozier for much of the second-half after he injured his back in a friendly-fire collision with Josh Bruce.
Bontempelli set the tone early, having six clearances in the opening term as the Bulldogs' midfield ran riot.
The captain finished with 25 possessions and 11 clearances in a defining performance.
Bontempelli's premiership midfielder Tom Liberatore was everywhere early and managed to kick two goals in the first quarter as his side obliterated the shell-shocked Tigers out of the centre.
Former Richmond captain Trent Cotchin, who was "managed" for this contest, was subbed into the game late in the second quarter after fellow Tigers midfielder Jack Graham damaged a hamstring.
Richmond also opted to rest Cotchin's triple premiership teammate Jack Riewoldt in a move that surprised Beveridge on Friday.
Richmond (1-1-2) will line-up against the Sydney Swans at the Adelaide Oval in Gather Round, while the Bulldogs have Port Adelaide in front of a parochial home crowd.
