Adelaide have continued Richmond's winless start to the season with a nine-point triumph in an error-plagued AFL match at AAMI Stadium.

Down by 22 points after the first quarter, Richmond fought back in the second term to close to within two points of the Crows at the main break.

Scores were level midway through the third, but the Crows steadied to win 14.15 (99) to 14.6 (90).

A seven-goal first-quarter gave red-hot favourites Adelaide a flying start leading into the first break but the Crows could not maintain their momentum to bag only one more major in the second against a resurgent Richmond.

But the tide turned quickly in the third, with the Crows pushing forward.

Poor kicking by both teams - but particularly by the Crows with four failed attempts at goal - allowed Richmond to stay in the match, but not for long.

Adelaide's lead blew out to 13 points until Matthew Richardson ended the Tigers drought midway through the quarter with a set goal in front.

The Crows continued to dominate, marking seven more shots at goal for the quarter - three goals, five points - compared with Richmond's one goal.

Light drizzle at the start of the fourth quarter couldn't help the Tigers.

It later emerged that Richmond star Richardson had suffered a fractured left eye socket following a head-on collision with Andrew Krakouer.

The injury is likely to keep him out of action for up to eight weeks and further deplete the Tigers' already diminished tall stocks.

"Another tall and another senior player - that's been our lot this year," Tigers coach Terry Wallace said after the match.

"I don't know what we have done to deserve that lot but that is where it is."

Wallace said despite the loss, his side had made progress.

"The most particular thing that I was pleased with was that we got off to an horrific start and that they didn't lose their nerve and they were prepared to play out the game," he said.

"I thought we were right in the game in the last quarter, up to our ears, and unfortunately a few things didn't go the way we wanted."

Crows coach Neil Craig said the closeness of the game had been dictated by Richmond's fight, rather than any lack of intensity from Adelaide.

"We knew it would be a tough game, and as it turned out it's an important win for us," he said.

"After the way they came back in the second, I thought our third quarter was outstanding to get back our share of the game.

"We probably zoned a little too much in defence, but overall it was a great game for us, and we've gotten some good information from it."

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