So there they sit. Alone. Bottom. Richmond.

The Tigers' winless season extended with a 50-point loss to Adelaide at AAMI Stadium on Sunday night.

Adelaide's first win of the season, 15.14 (104) to 7.12 (54), left Richmond lonely at the foot of the AFL ladder, the only team without a win after seven rounds.

But for much of a scrappy encounter, before 31,196 spectators, the Tigers gave their hosts a serious fright.

Leaders at half-time, level seven minutes into the last quarter; Richmond were on the verge of breaking through against a wobbly, hesitant Adelaide.

But then a collapse that infuriated Tigers coach Damien Hardwick.

Adelaide booted eight consecutive goals to finish the match with a withering 25-minute burst.

"For the first three quarters, we couldn't fault us - our endeavour, our attack on the man was really good," Hardwick said.

"But we were really disappointed with the last quarter, no doubt."

Hardwick blamed mental deficiencies rather than physical for the alarming fade out, although six of Adelaide's final term goals came from Richmond turnovers.

"We try to really be positive but there is some stuff in the game that we need to iron out," he said.

"Our composure was poor from about halfway through the third quarter, and particularly in the last.

"I think it was more mental."

Adelaide's win came at a cost with star duo Andrew McLeod and Graham Johncock suffering suspected serious shoulder injuries in the last quarter.

They were Adelaide's best, providing daring dash matched by few teammates.

Johncock (21 disposals, eight marks and a goal) was particularly effective, while captain Simon Goodwin (30 possessions) and his heir apparent Nathan van Berlo (27 touches) provided drive through midfield.

Forward Kurt Tippett continued his upsurge in form with four goals and opportunists Jason Porplyzia (three goals), Richard Douglas (two goals) and McLeod (two goals, 19 disposals) were also prominent.

In contrast, Richmond was forced to rely on the attacking efforts of Jack Riewoldt and Robin Nahas, who both kicked two goals.

Tiger youngsters Dustin Martin, Trent Cotchin and Shane Edwards were among their best players in a match which finally released some pressure on Crows coach Neil Craig after his club's worst start to a season - six losses.

"It's a step forward for us but the journey continues," Craig said.

"It probably wasn't the most attractive game ... but I was really pleased with the way guys persisted, I thought it was fantastic."

Adelaide travel to front North Melbourne on Saturday night while Richmond host fellow strugglers Hawthorn at the MCG next Sunday.

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