MELBOURNE'S horror start to 2012 has continued with Richmond overwhelming the Demons by 59 points at the MCG on Saturday.
After honourable defeats at the hands of Carlton and Collingwood the Tigers registered their first win of the season, 20.13 (133) to 11.8 (74).
Richmond ran the Demons off their feet as they dominated uncontested possessions and broke Melbourne's resistance with a nine-goal-to-one third term that built its eight-point half-time lead into an impregnable 59-point buffer.
From the opening minute of the third term to the first minute of the final term, the Tigers kicked 10 goals, their last nine consecutive.
Shaun Grigg was outstanding on a wing for the Tigers. He racked up a game-high 37 possessions and his preparedness to run symbolised the Tigers' dominance.
Robbie Nahas was equally impressive in the Tigers' forward line, the small forward's speed and evasive tricks bamboozling Melbourne's defence. Nahas finished with 2.2 but set up several other goals for Richmond with his forward pressure and deft passing.
The Tigers had plenty of other stars, with Nathan Foley, Reece Conca and Shane Tuck among their best.
In his 150th game, Brad Miller also was a valuable contributor for the Tigers with three goals, while Jack Riewoldt lowered his colours to James Frawley, who held him to one goal.
For the Demons, Jordie McKenzie kept Trent Cotchin to just eight possessions in the first half, but the classy Tiger midfielder rebounded in the second half, kicking three goals after spending more time up forward.
Demon Mitch Clark started the game strongly up forward, taking several strong marks in the first term, but ultimately the Tigers' control of general play limited his opportunities and he finished with two goals.
Nathan Jones' work in the centre briefly got the Demons back into the game in the second term, while Jeremy Howe's strength overhead - he took 11 marks - gave Melbourne fans some cause for optimism.
But in a further blow to Melbourne, at the three-minute mark of the final quarter co-captain Jack Grimes had to be helped to be bench with apparent concussion after a strong tackle by Daniel Jackson.
RICHMOND 4.4 6.8 15.11 20.13 (133)
MELBOURNE 2.3 5.6 6.6 11.8 (74)
GOALS
Richmond: Cotchin 3, Miller 3, Conca 2, Nahas 2, Deledio 2, Maric, Martin, Riewoldt, Houli, Vickery, Grigg, Jackson, Tuck
Melbourne: Clark 2, Howe 2, Trengove 2, Dunn 2, Watts, Jones, Sellar
BEST
Richmond: Grigg, Conca, Houli, Deledio, Cotchin, Rance, Martin, Tuck
Melbourne: Howe, Jones, McKenzie
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Melbourne: Grimes (Concussion)
Subs:
Melbourne's Lynden Dunn replaced Stefan Martin in the third quarter
Richmond's Addam Maric replaced Tyrone Vickery in the final quarter
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Schmitt, Armstrong, Mitchell
Official crowd: 49,826 at MCG
The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or its clubs
