MELBOURNE has won its first match of the season and in the process kept Richmond winless after hanging on for an eight-point victory at the MCG on Sunday. 

The Demons 14.16 (100) defeated the Tigers 13.14 (92) to win their first match since round 20 last year, while it was also Melbourne's first win over Richmond since round 15, 2006.

Although Richmond came home with a flurry, kicking seven of the last nine goals, Melbourne set up the win with 12 goals to four from the 15-minute mark of the first quarter until the nine-minute mark of the third term.

At that stage, the Demons led by a game-high 38 points and the task was always going to be difficult for the Tigers.

The only disappointing aspect of Melbourne recording just its fourth win under coach Dean Bailey was a suspected broken jaw to key Demon Brad Green.

Green was taken to Epworth Hospital, after he clashed in a contest with Tiger youngster Alex Rance. Although Rance returned after a brief spell on the sidelines, Green's day ended immediately.

Melbourne duo Aaron Davey and Cameron Bruce continued their impressive starts to the season with 49 touches between them, while Brock McLean also played his best game for 2009.

Brad Miller shone in attack with three majors and the recalled Michael Newton made some progression in his developing career. Colin Sylvia also ignited the Demons in the second term.

For Richmond, Joel Bowden amassed a whopping 44 disposals and Matthew Richardson booted 4.5 and also became the 11th player in VFL/AFL history to crack 800 goals. Nathan Foley also stood out with 32 touches.

The opening quarter set the tone for the day, with skill errors prominent. Still, from a contest point of view, it was on, with both sides desperate for a win.  

Even before the siren sounded to start the match, it was on. Tempers boiled over on Richmond's half-forward line and as a result Demon defender Matthew Warnock had his number taken, resulting in a free kick to Tiger Mitch Morton, who roosted a beauty.

Nathan Brown added Richmond's second at the 10-minute mark, but Melbourne soon lifted its intensity and peppered its inside 50. Newton was presenting attack, although like his teammates, was unable to fully capitalise on his efforts in front of goal. 

Green opened Melbourne's account at the 15-minute mark but the Demons followed up with three consecutive posters, via Miller, Brent Moloney and Neville Jetta. Newton had also hit the post earlier making it four for the term.

Although the Tigers led for most of the quarter, when Miller posted his first for the day, the Demons grabbed a three-point advantage just seconds before quarter-time.

The Demons had a purple patch early in the second term, with five in a row, running away to a 34-point lead. Sylvia was outstanding during this period with two goals, including a cracker on the run.

Just as the game was getting out of reach for the Tigers, they hit back with three in quick succession, including back-to-back majors from debutant Andrew Collins. This cut the margin back to just 13 points.

But when Lynden Dunn went bang from outside 50, Matthew Bate followed up soon after and Miller replicated his first quarter effort with a goal just moments before the siren, the Demons jumped back out to a 31-point lead entering half-time.

It was an eventful start to the second half when field umpire Stuart Wenn was aided to the sidelines after appearing to roll his ankle, forcing Scott McLaren to officiate his second match for the round.

It was just as eventful on the scoreboard, as the Dees broke away to a six-goal-plus lead.

Although the Tigers got their act together mid-way through the third term, with three in a row, when Michael Newton booted his second for the quarter, the Demons headed into the last stanza with a 28-point buffer.

Although Ricky Petterd's courage and effort resulted in Melbourne's only goal in the final term – the Tigers booted four – it was enough to hang on for victory.


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


MATCH DETAILS

Richmond    2.3    5.6    9.7    13.14 (92)
Melbourne     2.6    10.7    13.11    14.16 (100)

GOALS
Richmond: Richardson 4, Brown 2, Collins 2, Deledio, McGuane, Moore, Morton, Nahas
Melbourne: Miller 3, Newton 2, Petterd 2, Sylvia 2, Bate, Davey, Dunn, Green, Jetta
 
BEST
Richmond: Bowden, Richardson, Foley, Polo, Tuck, Collins
Melbourne: Davey, Bruce, McLean, Miller, Sylvia, Newton, Bartram

INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Melbourne: Green (suspected fractured jaw)

REPORTS
Richmond: Nil
Melbourne: Warnock for striking Hislop in first quarter

Umpires: James, Wenn, Findlay (McLaren replaced Wenn during match)

Official crowd: 40,763 at MCG