So much to digest from a remarkable night of football, so here we go.

Tigers coach Damien Hardwick wanted a more even spread of goalkickers and once Jack Riewoldt went off with concussion, he got it. Richmond ended with 14 goals and it augurs well for the side whenever Riewoldt returns.

And when will that be? Much to his displeasure, Riewoldt wasn't allowed to return after copping a head knock and his return will be touch and go before the Saturday week clash with Hawthorn and the vision of him venting in anger at the club medical staff was compelling.

At best, he will miss a week. Lenny Hayes could be a much longer absentee after his knee injury. It was a dreadful blow for the Saints and you just have to wonder whether the horror summer experienced by the Saints is contributing to their slow start to the season. Coach Ross Lyon damaged another headset as he smashed it into his desk and once again, his side flooded the backline but again conceded a late goal.

The Saints don't appear to be playing with much joy or spirit and Nick Riewoldt looks to have the weight of the world on his shoulders. We're two weeks into the season and next up for the Saints is their new bogy team, Essendon, in next Sunday's twilight game at Etihad Stadium.

With both Jack Riewoldt and Hayes off the ground, the substitute rule was used because of injury and not tactics. But what was a great spectacle all night was enhanced considerably towards the end by the sheer exhaustion of the players. They were blowing hard, willing themselves to the next contest and it made for wonderful viewing.

Hardwick won't agree, but the Tigers should wake up on Saturday morning, feeling like the victors. But he will be delighted that his midfield of Nathan Foley, Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Shaun Grigg is starting to gel. Grigg with 29 touches was fantastic and is already proving to be a great get from the Blues.

But the real star was Brett Deledio - winner of the Ian Stewart Medal for best afield - with 29 touches. He was good early and then really effective when moved on to Brendon Goddard in the second half. And Goddard, the Dreamteam and Supercoach captain for, it seems, half of Australia, has had a slow start to the year and is a bit symptomatic of his team.

The other talking point was the free kick paid against Luke McGuane for a deliberate rushed behind, after which Nick Riewoldt goalled from the resultant free kick. Was McGuane under pressure? Did he have any other choice? The result can't be changed, but the reasonably transparent AFL will determine some time this week whether it was the correct decision. And they'll let us know one way or the other.