MARK this one down as a sigh of relief for Tigers coach Damien Hardwick. 

Richmond won't look back on its 27-point win over Fremantle as much more than that – a win that simply had to be completed as the Tigers continue their push to lock in a top-four spot. 

TIGERS ROAR INTO TOP FOUR Full match coverage and stats

The 8.8 (56) to 4.5 (29) result at Metricon Stadium on Wednesday night won't go down as one of the Tigers' great victories. Truth be told, they will probably move on very quickly. 

Hardwick had his frustrations throughout as the Dockers managed to negate Richmond's scoring power, but the two-time premiership coach can relax knowing his side will enter its round 16 bye with another win under its belt.  

Not that it was pretty. 

Richmond jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter and held the Dockers at arm's length for the rest of the contest. 

Fremantle clawed back to get within a goal at the final change in a low-scoring affair, proving to be dogged in the midfield and organised in defence, but the Tigers were able to win ugly, booting four goals to one in the final term. 

It was the Tigers' ninth win from their past 11 games and although not their best, was equally as important as Hardwick's charges keep their momentum ahead of their next finals tilt. 

HERE COMES THE CAVALRY Key Tigers on track for heavyweight clash

Is Graham in to stay?
The out-of-contract Tigers midfielder has been in and out of the Richmond midfield this season but is doing a good job to retain his place ahead of this year's finals series. The 2017 premiership player entered the clash averaging 20 disposals in the Tigers' last two games and was again busy against the Dockers with 18 touches and a goal. Rival are watching the 22-year-old closely but he is doing a solid job of holding his spot even with some quality Tigers to return in coming weeks. 

Serong strengthens Rising Star claims
Freo youngster Caleb Serong is atop the betting ranks for this year's NAB AFL Rising Star for a reason. He showed why again on Wednesday night against the star-studded Richmond midfield when he was Fremantle's best onballer, gathering 22 disposals and five clearances in a typically hard-working and clever display. The Dockers' No.8 draft pick has been excellent in his debut season. 

Solid return for Hogan
The Dockers brought back Jesse Hogan for his first game since round five, but it was difficult circumstances to be a returning player, let alone a target in Fremantle's forward half. Hogan has had another disrupted season with injuries and has even been trialled in defence at scratch match level, but came back as a forward and worked hard to get into the game. He took a couple of impressive contested marks that were reminders of his immense ability and finished with 13 disposals.  

RICHMOND      2.2     4.3     4.4     8.8     (56)
FREMANTLE     1.0     1.2     3.4     4.5     (29)

GOALS
Richmond: Lynch 3, Aarts, Graham, Higgins, McIntosh, Riewoldt
Fremantle: Crowden 2, Taberner, Walters 

BEST
Richmond: Short, Pickett, Graham, Houli, Lynch, Vlastuin
Fremantle: Acres, Serong, Fyfe, Brayshaw, Cerra, Conca

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Fremantle: Nil