Adelaide have deepened Richmond’s early-season AFL woes with a 36-point win at Etihad Stadium.

While no one could question captain Trent Cotchin’s game, the Tigers were outclassed in Saturday’s 19.14 (128) to 13.14 (92) loss.

It follows Adelaide’s Showdown demolition of Port Adelaide last week and a tight loss to North Melbourne in round one.

Fired up after last week’s disastrous fadeout against Collingwood, the Tigers piled the pressure on early against the Crows.

Cotchin was influential from the start after plenty of scrutiny through the week about his leadership.

The focus on Cotchin irritated coach Damien Hardwick, who said it was unjust.

But Richmond did not make the most of their strong start and two goals late in the first term gave Adelaide a 13-point lead.

The Crows jumped out to a 39-point lead before Cotchin rallied the Tigers.

He kicked the first of three quick goals that reduced the margin to 21 points just before halftime.

Jack Riewoldt then had an easy shot on goal, but he hit the post and the Crows quickly went down the other end.

Josh Jenkins kicked the goal and the Crows had a 25-point break at halftime.

They steamrolled Richmond in the third term and had a game-high lead of 52 points early in the final quarter.

Adding to the lustre of the win, the Crows lost key forward Tom Lynch before the match.

He returned to Adelaide for the birth of his second child and Riley Knight came into the side.

Brad Crouch was also ruled out on Friday with hamstring soreness.

Matt Crouch, Rory Sloane and Rory Laird all impressed for the Crows, while Richard Douglas, Eddie Betts and Taylor Walker kicked three goals apiece.