Richmond coach Adem Yze praised his older brigade after the Tigers broke an eight-game losing streak and took a giant step towards avoiding the wooden spoon with an 11-point victory over wayward West Coast.
The Tigers' 12.12 (84) to 9.19 (73) win at the MCG on Sunday — their first since Round 11 in May — was aided by the Eagles' forward 50 inefficiency.
West Coast had four more scoring shots and seven more inside 50's, but their wasted opportunities resulted in an eighth successive defeat.
Tigers young gun Sam Lalor kicked a game and career high three goals, while Tim Taranto starred in the middle with 32 disposals and 11 clearances in front of 33,733 fans.
A 'happy' Yze, who often highlights his array of rising stars, made special mention of his veterans post-game.
"Like, Tim Taranto is in great form. Dion Prestia is helping and coaching out there," Yze said.
"Jack Ross, we really missed Rossy for the two weeks that he was out, and Nank (Toby Nankervis) is obviously leading the way now that he's back in and match fit.
"So, Broady (Nathan Broad) down back with Nick Vlaustin were a pillar."
In contrast, West Coach coach Andrew McQualter reflected on an "incredibly disappointing and frustrating" game thanks to his side's inability to hurt the Tigers on the scoreboard.
"You walk away from the game with 3.17 at one stage ... it's deflating," McQualter said.
"Bad kicking is bad football at the end of the day.
"We weren't able to capitalise on our shots, and we left a gap.
"We left an opening at three-quarter time, and they played a bit better in the last quarter and we didn't get the job done.
"It was incredibly disappointing and frustrating."
It took just over 14 minutes for the game's first major after both sides sprayed numerous chances in a scrappy opening quarter.
And it then required a superb individual effort by Hugo Ralphsmith to get Richmond on the scoreboard, which sparked a second goal to Jayden Short moments later.
West Coast posted 0.5 before spearhead Jake Waterman kicked their first major, but late goals to Richmond pair Jack Ross and Sam Lalor ensured a 10-point quarter-time lead for the Tigers.
The Eagles' woes in front of goal continued in the second quarter, with the visitors wasting a raft of opportunities.
They had 16 scoring shots to Richmond's 10 in the first half, but still trailed by 15 points at the main break courtesy of a dismal 3.13 scoreline.
Tiger Luke Trainor will likely be cited the MRO after an apparent hit to the stomach of Jack Williams behind play in the second term.
"I think there have been a few fines over the last few occasions when things like this have happened, so hopefully we can get that type of result," Yze said.
The Eagles remained their own worst enemy in the third term, reaching their nadir at 3.17 - not including an out of bounds by Jake Waterman.
Richmond capitalised by kicking the first goal of the second half through Tyler Sonsie to open a three-goal lead.
Waterman finally kicked the Eagles' fourth goal 18 minutes into the third term - their first since early in the second quarter.
SAM LALOR SEALS IT FOR RICHMOND 🐯#AFLTigersEagles pic.twitter.com/cUwgR8lWnP
— AFL (@AFL) August 2, 2026
The two sides traded goals late in the third term, with the Tigers clinging to a 12-point lead at the last change.
West Coast's hopes of a come-from-behind win were quickly snuffed out by Tiger veterans Tom Lynch and Nankervis, who kicked two quick goals early in the final term.
The Eagles threatened to pinch the game at the death, but a late goal to Sam Lalor kept them at bay.
For West Coast, Harley Reid shone with an equal game-high 34 disposals and a match best 658 metres gained, while Marcus Herbert also had 34 touches.
