Having impressed in North's earlier two-point win against Melbourne, the spring-heeled big man wowed the crowd with several powerful contributions.
The highlight was his goal in the first half that saw him grab the ball in front of Steven Morris, step left, jump right, unleash a 'don't argue' and then veer back the other way to run in and slot the major.
The third game of Friday night's action at Etihad Stadium was by far the most interesting and most intense, with an avalanche of goals compared to the previous hit-outs.
Young Roo Aaron Black kicked the sealer for the Roos with 40 seconds remaining after the Tigers led for much of the night.
The final score was 0.7.6 (48) to 0.6.8 (44).
With big men Todd Goldstein and Ivan Maric sitting out, North recruit Daniel Currie and Richmond rookie Orren Stephenson were pitted against each other, with support from Daw and Tom Derickx.
Currie impressed for the Roos with 12 hit-outs and dominance in the centre.
Veteran Roo Brent Harvey, who will miss the first six rounds of the season with suspension, was in good touch with a pair of goals in the first half.
Tigers first round draftee Nick Vlastuin was also impressive in the four-point defeat.
The 18-year-old former Vic Metro captain was one of the Tigers' shining lights in the narrow loss, despite his team dropping yet another tight one after leading for most of the game.
Richmond lost six matches by less than 13 points last year and have spent the pre-season training for close finishes.
But Vlastuin delighted fans with one play where he spun around Shaun Atley to pump the ball inside 50, which resulted in a Shane Edwards goal.
Second year Tiger Brandon Ellis took another positive step after a red hot pre-season with nine disposals while former Adelaide player Chris Knights had eight.
Both sides entered the game having won their previous matches against Melbourne – North by two points and Richmond by 15.
RICHMOND 0.4.3 0.6.8 (44)
NORTH MELBOURNE 0.5.2 0.7.6 (48)
SUPERGOALS
Richmond: Nil
North Melbourne: Nil
GOALS
Richmond: S. Edwards 2, Riewoldt 2, Ellis, Jackson,
North Melbourne: Harvey 2, Black 2, Daw, Thomas, Ziebell
BEST
Richmond: Ellis, Vlastuin, Newman, Knights, Arnot
North Melbourne: Harvey, Swallow, Ziebell, Currie, Cunnington
INJURIES
Richmond: O'Hanlon (cut head)
North Melbourne: Nil
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Bannister, Findlay, Fisher
Official crowd: TBA
