MELBOURNE has come up agonisingly short in a second-half fight back against Richmond, going down by seven points on Sunday at the MCG.

The Tigers went into the final break eight points down after leading by 26-points at half-time, but showed maturity and composure in a tight final quarter kicking six goals to three, holding on to win 17.15 (117) to 17.8 (110).

The win was Richmond's seventh for the season, and its first over Melbourne since round 18, 2009.

For Melbourne the defeat means the club's faint chance at making the final eight is now totally lost, leaving North Melbourne, the Sydney Swans and Fremantle to fight it out for the final spot.

A terrific first half from the Tigers set up the win, winning the contested possessions 78 to 69 at half-time, and dominating the inside 50 count 30 to 18.

But the Demons returned after the long break seemingly a rejuvenated side.

Melbourne caretaker coach Todd Viney made some structural changes, moving key-position player Jack Watts and a frustrated Aaron Davey, who had just the one kick to half-time, behind the ball.

But it was the Demons improved work rate and renewed attack on the ball that saw them head into the three-quarter time break eight-points up.

Melbourne won the contested possession 40 to 21 in the third term and increased their pressure, winning the tackle count 20 to 13.

Just as Melbourne lifted in the third term, the Tigers responded in the final term with midfielders Trent Cotchin and Daniel Jackson stepping up to help propel their side to victory.

Former Demon Brad Miller kicked three goals against his old club and Melbourne's Colin Sylvia booted four, was reported in the first term, and took a mark of the year contender in an eventful afternoon.

Up next
Melbourne will round out the home-and-away season with a home clash against Gold Coast next week before finishing up in South Australia to play Port Adelaide at AAMI Stadium.

QUARTER BY QUARTER
First quarter
Three goals in seven minutes to Richmond suggested a one-sided affair was looming, particularly given the Demons managed just one inside 50 as the Tigers raced to their 18-point lead. Trengove snared the Dees' first goal at the nine-minute mark after some nice work at a stoppage, before Sylvia  - who had been reported earlier - followed up two minutes later with their second. Former Demon Brad Miller was involved for the Tigers as was Nathan Foley.

Richmond by 14 points

Second quarter
Aaron Davey, in his 150th game, continued to be targeted by the Tigers with Bachar Houli keeping him on a tight leash. A frustrated Davey gave away a free kick at the 13-minute mark for carelessly shoving Houli, which halted the Demons' momentum. Davey ended the half with one possession and one tackle, and potentially in trouble for a crude elbow that felled Mitch Morton. Sylvia provided the highlight with a soaring grab over Matthew Dea, but after the Demons got within a straight kick twice, the wheels started to shake. The Tigers regained control and kicked three unanswered goals.

Richmond by 26 points

Third quarter
The Demons started the stanza with intent, and nailed two goals in four minutes.
The Tigers missed two opportunities before Jack Watts grabbed his first after a desperate lunge by Jordie McKenzie to keep the ball alive. Dustin Martin pegged one back but a snap from Nathan Jones finally gave the Demons the lead.

Melbourne by eight points

Fourth quarter
The first two goals went to Robbie Nahas and substitute Tiger Jeromey Webberley, who came on for Jayden Post at the five-minute mark. The second gave the Tigers the lead, but that was stolen back courtesy of a goal to Sylvia minutes later. Trent Cotchin broke free at the 17-minute mark to force the third lead change of the quarter and Jack Riewoldt and Shane Edwards kicked six pointers to give the Tigers a 15-point buffer.

Richmond wins by seven points

Melbourne        4.0   7.1    14.2    17.8 (110)   
Richmond         6.2   10.9  11.12  17.15 (117)   

GOALS
Melbourne: Sylvia 5, Jones 3, Jurrah 3, Trengove 2, Watts, Bennell, Green, Petterd
Richmond: Miller 3, Martin 3, Riewoldt 2, Foley 2, King, Graham, Jackson, Nahas, Webberley, Cotchin, Edwards

BEST
Melbourne: Sylvia, Jones, McKenzie, Bartram, Frawley
Richmond: Foley, Miller, Houli, Grigg, Tuck, Martin

INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
Richmond: Nil

SUBSTITUTES
Melbourne: Howe substituted out for Green, midway through the third quarter
Richmond: Post substituted out for Webberley, early in the fourth quarter

Reports: TBA

Umpires: McBurney, Ryan, Hay 

Official crowd: 36,321 at the MCG

The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL