Beating Port Adelaide in Adelaide has been somewhat of an impossible dream for Richmond since the former SANFL powerhouse entered the national league. Had this game been played a few weeks ago when Nathan Brown was performing miracles up forward for the Tigers and Andy Kellaway and Darren Gaspar were part of the defensive brick wall the dream may not have been considered so impossible, but with those 3 All Australians out, Port having a full list to pick from and having regained some of their Premiership form at least at home the general feeling was that the Tigers were about to get another belting in Adelaide. Kelvin Moore came in for his first game of the season after impressing from limited opportunities in 2004, Nathan Foley's 47 possession game for Coburg a fortnight ago was rewarded with his second senior berth and Greg Stafford was recalled after suspension to add some height and strength to the lineup.

The game began as the critics had predicted with the Power scoring quickly and heavily and the undermanned Richmond defence under constant pressure, the first positive move for the Tigers was removing Ray Hall from Warren Tredrea and putting Joel Bowden in his place. Matthew Richardson did manage to score a goal, but there was a 31 point deficit at the end of the term and very little spark from Richmond.

The second quarter started the same way as the first with the Power getting out to a 43 point lead. Then the rain came and with it Richmond's resurgence. Bowden began to play off and run away from his larger, less mobile opponent and link up with the hard running captain Kane Johnson, assisted by the other Richmond midfielders in Coughlan and Tuck the ball began to find it's way into the Tiger's forward 50 and the goals started to flow. In defence Mark Graham was particularly effective and stunning as he wound the clock back and attacked the ball with no regard for his own personal safety.

18 points down as the 3rd quarter began with the wet conditions suiting the Richmond players and Port starting to wilt the Tigers pressed their advantages. Richardson's 2rd goal early in the quarter cut the deficit to 12 points and with belief flooding through the side they pressed the Power hard. A contentious free to the exciting first year player Brett Deledio late in the quarter gave Richmond a one point lead. Could they hang onto it.

The rain stopped in the last quarter and that suited Port Adelaide, their confidence returned and they wrested the lead back. Richmond never gave up and never stopped trying, but ultimately some crucial mistakes and a lack of class across the board gave the Power a hard fought 13 point win. Richmond will rue their slow start and if they are to win this type of game they have to be switched on from the opening siren.

Player review:

1. Rory Hilton, bobbed in and out of play. Did get gifted a goal with a mark and subsequent 50 metre penalty, but also missed a mark and goal late in the game which could have meant the difference between winning and losing.

3. Brett Deledio, amongst the best. A ready made player in his first year at 18 years of age, how good he will be is positively frightening.

5. Troy Simmonds, disappointed yet again. Was better in the ruck than in the forward line, but how a 6'4" player who weighs over 100 kilograms can be so easily pushed off the ball escapes me.

6. Mark Chaffey, very quiet and I don't think he held his opponent either.

9. Wayne Campbell, one of the players that sparked the revival. He wants to retire at the end of the season. Four words: don't do it, Wayne!

10. Greg Stafford, reportedly playing for his future, whilst he is better than Simmonds both in ruck and the forward line this performance won't have enhanced his chances.

11. Joel Bowden, near best on ground. Held Warren Tredrea, ran off him and had the dominant Port forward moved off him

12. Matthew Richardson, 4 goals, one in each quarter. There were also a couple of behinds and one out on the full. He's not accurate, but he gets the job done.

13. Trent Knobel, was not on the ground a lot, but held his own in the ruck, wouldn't surprise if he is still recovering from a bout with the flu.

15. Kayne Pettifer, the side needs more from him. Simply did not do enough to justify his selection.

17. Kane Johnson, the captain was magnificent, ran hard, set up goals, led by example. He has worn the number 17 with pride and deserves to do so.

20. Ray Hall, one of his quieter games. Took a few nice marks, but with Kellaway and Gaspar out the side needed more from him.

21. Shane Tuck, becoming a dangerous, goal kicking midfielder. This year has been a revelation so far.

24. Mark Coughlan, worked hard, picked up a lot of the ball, disposal still needs work.

27. Andrew Krakouer, very few possessions. Still did the one percenters, but more is expected.

31. Chris Hyde, his best game since the injury. It is late, but finding the early season form again.

32. Greg Tivendale, wasn't too damaging for Richmond, but missed a goal he should have kicked and did nothing to enhance his chances of being retained at the end of the season.

34. Mark Graham, turned back the clock to be a damaging defender. Flew for kamikaze marks, backed himself and refused to turn the ball over.

35. Chris Newman, aside from one dreadful kickout which went out of bounds on the full was solid and creative.

36. Will Thursfield, very impressive for a youngster. Richmond looks to have found a reliable key position defender for the future.

40. Kelvin Moore, his first game for the year. Not really one to remember. Very little game time and did not do a lot when he was on the ground.

41. Nathan Foley, impressive game, especially good in the wet and dangerous when in the forward line.