First quarter: Melbourne 4.2 (26) to Richmond 3.5 (23)

Richmond kicked the first goal of the match via Nathan Gordon, before Melbourne answered with three in a row, including two in succession from Chris Dawes.

Jesse Hogan and Jay Kennedy-Harris also opened their account, as Melbourne led by 11 points on two separate occasions.

But a late goal by Ben Griffiths reduced the margin back to three points at the first break.  

Second quarter: Melbourne 6.5 (41) to Richmond 5.9 (39)

It was goal for goal in the second term, with the lead changing several times. Both sides added two goals each, as they also squandered opportunities in front of goal – including several posters.

Aaron vandenBerg and Jack Watts booted majors for the Demons, as Shane Edwards and Taylor Hunt contributed goals for the Tigers.

At half-time, Melbourne held a two-point advantage.

Third quarter: Melbourne 10.9 (69) to Richmond 6.13 (49)

Melbourne dominated the third term, booting four goals to one, including the first four for the quarter. At one stage, the Demons led by 25 points, before they took a 20-point lead into the final change.

Jeff Garlett kicked two for the term, as Nathan Jones and Angus Brayshaw also got on the board. Brayshaw’s major was his first in the AFL.  

Richmond didn’t kick its first major of the third quarter until Edwards landed his second at the 27-minute mark.

Final quarter: Melbourne 12.11 (83) d Richmond 6.15 (51)

It took nine minutes before the first goal was kicked of the final term, courtesy of a fine set-shot kick from Bernie Vince.

But when Hogan took a brilliant pack mark – and then converted – the Demons were up by 31 points and had all but sealed the victory.

No further goals were added, as Melbourne recorded its second win of the season and claimed a 32-point win.