Richmond have made St Kilda’s last great AFL win feel like a lifetime ago, hammering them by 54 points.
Dion Prestia returned to top form and Jack Riewoldt kicked four goals on Friday night as the Tigers pounded the Saints in the first half and enjoyed a regulation 16.15 (111) to 8.9 (57) win at Etihad Stadium.
It is only 12 months since St Kilda went berserk against Richmond in the first half another July night match against Richmond at Etihad Stadium.
The Saints kicked 14 goals to one in the first half and won by 67 points, raising fundamental questions about the Tigers’ credentials.
Since that crossroads moments for the two teams, St Kilda’s record is six wins, 16 losses and a draw.
They remain without a finals appearance since 2011.
Reigning premiers Richmond are 21-5 and sit on top of the ladder.
The Saints had won three of their past four and appeared capable of pushing the Tigers.
Richmond kicked six goals to one to kill off the game by quarter time and they led by 58 points at the main break.
The Saints also had a scare when Bailey Rice was hurt in a marking contest, but he returned to the field in the second quarter.
After a woeful first half – Richmond kicked 11 goals to two – the Saints lifted and squared the third quarter.
The Saints had a rare highlight at the start of the third term when Jack Steven volleyed a goal of the year contender out of mid-air.
But the Tigers already had everything they needed from the night.
Prestia kicked three goals in a game for the first time in his career and returned to top form.
The premiership midfielder has only managed eight senior games this season because of injury.
Daniel Rioli starred in attack and Dustin Martin showcased some of his best form this season.
Riewoldt also starred on a big night for his extended family.
The game raised $1.5 million for Maddie’s Vision, the charity fronted by Riewoldt’s cousin and former Saints captain Nick Riewoldt in honour of his younger sister.
Maddie Riewoldt died three years ago from a rare bone marrow disease.
Seb Ross, Jade Gresham and David Armitage were best for the Saints on a rough night.
