In round 1, the Tigers were in front at three quarter time, to lose by 20 points to Carlton in the traditional blockbuster.

In round 2, the Tigers shocked the AFL world when they drew with grand finalists from the previous year, St Kilda, even with their goal kicking star Jack Riewoldt going down with a concussion in the first quarter.

Their breakthrough came in round 5, when they beat North Melbourne at Etihad Stadium in front of a packed crowd.

Richmond then had a complete form turn around, with a 15-point loss against bottom-ranked Port Adelaide in Alice Springs after the club decided to host the home game match interstate, a decision that was roundly questioned by fans and the media.

Richmond's poor form continued, with straight losses to Melbourne, Carlton, Essendon, Gold Coast and Geelong.