Jack Riewoldt says Richmond's best still ahead despite thrashing Port Adelaide
Richmond star Jack Riewoldt has sent an ominous warning to the remainder of the competition after a dominant performance by his side against Port Adelaide.
Coming into the match as one of the in-form teams in the competition, Richmond was virtually unchallenged in the 15. 11. (101) to 9. 9. (63) win at the MCG.
Following the win, Riewoldt who finished with three goals, was unimpressed with his side's performance despite the big win.
"I thought we played okay today, probably not at our best," he told Fox Footy.
"They're a really quick side, Port Adelaide, so they tried to run and gun through us and we got caught in the trap a little bit.
Despite his side's dominant 38-point win, Riewoldt said the Tigers could still play a lot better AAP
"It's great that we're learning these lessons along the journey which hopefully finishes in the finals for us.
When quizzed about which area of the game the Tigers could stand to improve in, Riewoldt criticised the team for over-possessing the ball.
"We handballed a bit too much. Me and Lynchy were calling it long and deep," he said.
"I suppose it's every area of your game that you want to tidy up coming into the pointy end of the season.
"Our best football has always been ahead of us and we're excited about the back end of the season."
Star recruit Tom Lynch combined well with his forward partner with three goals AAP
Ahead of the finals campaign, Richmond is trying to iron out the fit between its star forward duo of Riewoldt and star recruit Tom Lynch, who also finished with three goals.
Lynch lauded his teammate as a "genius" and said the pair had leaned on their experience to work on how to best play together.
"I think it's working alright at the moment to be honest," he said.
"We've obviously played a fair bit of footy and Jack's obviously a genius up forward so he tells me where to go.
"It's great playing with him and it's awesome to have him back out there. We're learning and we're getting better so it's nice."
Martin continued his hot run of form with another game in excess of 30 disposals for the Tigers AAP
Dustin Martin and Dion Prestia (30 disposals and a goal each) starred in the midfield, Tom Lynch (three majors) was again among the Tigers' best and Dylan Grimes (eight marks) anchored a superb backline performance.
Lynch, who underwent knee surgery during the off-season, has built slowly in his first season for the Tigers but now has 12 goals from his past four games.
The former Gold Coast spearhead capped off a strong performance in the final term when he gathered a loose ball off a fortunate bounce, fended off Port opponent Tom Clurey and snapped a stellar goal off his left boot.
Fellow key forward Riewoldt was also fluent in his second game back from a lengthy injury lay-off.
"They both looked dangerous at various stages," coach Damien Hardwick said.
"They're only a couple of games in really, so they're going to get better along the way and they'll work in unison a little bit more."
Richmond will be nervous about an incident involving midfielder Jack Graham late in the game which left Port youngster Dan Houston dazed.
Graham was paid a holding the ball free kick but his tackle which slammed Houston's head into the turf will attract match review scrutiny.
- With AAP
