Mistakes, missed opportunities and Matthew Richardson - that's why Richmond and not the Western Bulldogs ended up on the right side of a four-point AFL win at Telstra Dome.

The Tigers' thrilling 12.16 (88) to 11.18 (84) victory came after the Bulldogs had led by 18 points midway through the third quarter and eight points going into time-on in the fourth.

But Richardson, so often maligned, stood up with two of his four goals in the last quarter - both under crushing pressure.

First he pulled in a sensational one-handed mark and goaled to put his side ahead at the 11-minute mark.

Then with his side trailing by eight points at the 20-minute mark, Richardson kicked a goal from the boundary to swing the ascendancy back to the Tigers.

From there, what could go wrong for the Bulldogs did - starting with Bulldog Cameron Faulkner conceding a crucial 50m penalty for stepping over the mark as Tiger Wayne Campbell was lining up a set shot.

That sent Campbell into the goal square for a easy goal to gave the Tigers a four-point lead.

The Bulldogs then had the chance to win the match when Daniel Giansiracusa - who was easily his side's best player - marked 45m out with only three minutes left.

But he could only manage a behind - matched at the other end by Richmond to eventually stretch the winning margin to four points.

Bulldogs coach Rodney Eade said his side's inability to convert crucial goals and mistakes such as Faulkner's had been the difference.

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