The Tigers trailed by 28 points midway through the third quarter but stormed home to register an important 13.9 (87) to 12.11 (83) victory on Saturday night.

A small crowd of 18,798 at Marvel Stadium witnessed a classic encounter as Martin was awarded a controversial late goal on review and Daniel Rioli kicked what proved to be the match-winner.

Rioli had just four kicks for the night but pounced on a loose ball and snapped truly in the dying stages.

Minutes earlier, Martin was judged to have got his toe to the ball on the goal line and cannoned into the goal umpire, who had to be replaced because of a sore shoulder.

Tim Taranto had the chance to snatch a dramatic victory for the Giants but his dribble kick from close range was blocked by a diving Dylan Grimes on the goal line.

The Tigers' win came after they were belted by Geelong last week and had star duo Rioli and Shai Bolton caught up in a nightclub scuffle, with Bolton (broken wrist) added to a long list of first-choice midfielders unavailable through injury.

"We've had a tough week, let's be honest, and we've been dealing with some stuff both on the field and off the field," Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.

"So for us to come out with a victory tonight was great for us but more importantly for our fans.

"It's been tough to watch us a couple of times this year where we haven't quite played as well as what we'd like, but we're still hanging tough.

"We're 5-4, we're in the hunt. We've got a lot of work to do, we understand that, but we've also got some growth out of these games and we've seen some players emerge."

Martin finished with four goals from 28 disposals as a host of unheralded teammates stepped up in the midfield.

Liam Baker, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Jack Graham were important contributors and Toby Nankervis led the way in the ruck.

GWS recruit Jesse Hogan kicked four goals - all of them in the second quarter - as Jacob Hopper, Josh Kelly, Callan Ward and Tom Green helped the Giants get on top in the middle early.

Inexperienced Giants defenders Sam Taylor and Jack Buckley kept Tom Lynch and Jack Riewoldt quiet for most of the night.

But the Tigers' ability to get on top at the contest late in the third quarter swing the match their way.

"It's disappointing you lose a game that you're in a position to win and you've got to learn," Giants coach Leon Cameron said.

"It's our fault. Credit to them, but it's our fault we lost the game because at moments throughout the second half we just needed a little bit more composure and we didn't have that."

Australian Associated Press