Richmond’s fast start stunned ladder-leaders Fremantle and saw it post a superb 27-point win at Domain Stadium in Perth on Friday.

Fremantle had rocketed to premiership favouritism after nine straight wins to start the season but they came undone against a Tigers side who kicked eight goals in the first quarter.

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Richmond extended their lead – which stood at 30 points at the first break – to 43 at the half-time before holding on for a 15.7 (97) to 10.10 (70) win.

And Fremantle’s rare off-night was made worse by a hamstring injury suffered by defender Michael Johnson in his 200th match.

All the pre-match talk surrounded Dockers star Nat Fyfe, and while he played his part with 26 disposals and a spectacular mark, but it was Dustin Martin who stole the show.

Watch Fyfe’s mark here

Martin had 34 touches and kicked a goal while Shane Edwards and Brandon Ellis won 26 possessions each.

Michael Johnson’s 200th AFL match did not go to plan. Photo: Getty

Tyrone Vickery kicked three goals for the Tigers, while Brett Deledio, Jack Riewoldt and Ben Griffiths chipped in with two.

Key defenders Alex Rance and Dylan Grimes also played key roles for the victors.

Michael Walters led Fremantle’s revival in the second half and kicked three goals but Ross Lyon’s men left themselves far too much to do.

Richmond made a scintillating start with four goals in the first 10 minutes, with their run, ball movement and precise kicking for goal a treat to watch.

They added another four in the remainder of the term and a strong second quarter saw them in complete control.

Ellis’ only goal of the night extended Richmond’s buffer to 49 points early in the third quarter but the Dockers kicked three in a row before the final break to cut the gap to 29.

They then got the first goal of the last quarter, only for a clever crumbing goal to Shane Edwards to steady Richmond.

The Tigers have now won four matches in a row and sit fifth on the AFL ladder.

Fremantle remain first but both West Coast and Sydney can close to within a game of them if they win over the weekend.