After hanging tough for close to three quarters, the West Coast Eagles slipped to a 46-point loss to Richmond as the class of the Tigers produced a game-breaking surge.

When Jack Darling kicked truly 19 minutes into the third quarter, the Eagles led by a point.

But consecutive centre bounce clearances that involved Shai Bolton, Dustin Martin and Dion Prestia saw Richmond break the hearts of the young Eagles.

Prestia kicked three goals in rapid succession in a pulsating period as Richmond locked away a 48-point victory.

While the Eagles stuck to the task for most of this contest on a chilly afternoon at the MCG, they again paid a price for fundamental errors as the Tigers seized opportunities off skill and ball handling errors.

Turnovers at critical moments in and dangerous areas of the ground created chances that the Tigers consistently capitalised on.  

The Eagles made a bright start to the game, kicking the first two goals, but things took a turn for the worse in a major way when young midfielder Jai Culley went to ground at half-forward about 10 minutes into the game.

He clutched at his right knee as training staff went to his assistance and it is feared he has a significant injury.

In his absence, Tim Kelly (19 contested possessions) and the returning Dom Sheed worked hard through the midfield - collecting 29 touches and nine clearances apiece - and Oscar Allen capitalised on their work through the middle with four goals.

Jamaine Jones (30 disposals) continued his strong form as a rebounding defender while Liam Duggan (27) and Reuben Ginbey oscillated between half-back and the engine room, both having a strong influence on the game.

Acting captain Tom Barrass had an intriguing battle with Richmond veteran Jack Riewoldt while several youngsters including Luke Edwards, Ginbey and Bailey Williams continued their growth.

Connor West had some good moments up forward, along with Jack Petruccelle. 

RICHMOND 1.2 5.8 10.12 15.14 (104)
WEST COAST 2.3 4.5 7.6 8.10 (58)

GOALS
Richmond: Prestia 3, Bolton 3, Taranto 2, Pickett, Miller, Graham, Clarke, Hopper, Ryan, Martin
West Coast: Allen 4, Petruccelle, West, Darling, Williams

BEST
Richmond: Bolton, Taranto, Martin, Vlastuin, Hopper, Prestia
West Coast: Allen, Jones, Kelly, Sheed, Duggan, Barrass

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
West Coast: Culley (knee)

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Rhyan Mansell replaced Noah Cumberland in the third quarter
West Coast: Zane Trew replaced Jai Culley (knee) in the first quarter

Crowd: 28,293 at the MCG