First quarter: Melbourne 3.4 (22) to Richmond 3.1 (19)

Melbourne peppered the scoreboard early on, but as has been the case in recent weeks, it failed to capitalise, booting three behinds to start the match.

This allowed Richmond to make the most of its limited opportunities in attack and consequently, Jack Riewoldt nailed two in a row to give the Tigers a nine-point lead. Ruckman Jake Spencer (shoulder) and playmaker Christian Petracca (knee) suffered injuries early, but were patched up and soon back on the ground. 

But when Tom McDonald kicked truly to open Melbourne’s account at the 13-minute mark, it was the first of three red and blue goals for the term.

Jesse Hogan converted directly in front, from a deliberate rushed behind, and when Jack Watts kicked one from 55 metres, Melbourne took a three-point lead into quarter-time. The Demons really should’ve made the most of their chances however, as they had 19 inside 50s to five.

Clayton Oliver continued his fine season with 10 touches in the first term.

Second quarter: Melbourne 7.6 (48) to Richmond 6.6 (42)

Richmond regained the lead at the four-minute mark, when Riewoldt again kicked the first goal of the term. But Melbourne hit back soon after with three in a row to sneak out to a 16-point lead at the 17-minute mark.

Petracca, despite hurting his knee, got the ball rolling, before Hogan landed his second and Christian Salem got in on the act. In the meantime, second-gamer Tim Smith went off the ground and to hospital with what injured ribs. 

Although Tiger youngster Dan Butler kicked Richmond’s second for the quarter at the 19-minute mark, when Michael Hibberd kicked a beauty on the run to secure his first in the red and blue, Melbourne looked set to take a two-goal lead into half-time.

But when Alex Neal-Bullen soccered the ball on full, Shaun Grigg converted from the boundary line for the Tigers, reducing Melbourne’s lead to six points at the long interval. 

Oliver had 16 disposals by half-time, with Hibberd next best with 15. Tiger Brandon Ellis also had 15 touches.

Three quarter-time: Melbourne 11.7 (73) to Richmond 7.11 (53)

It was a pulsating third term. Melbourne dominated on the scoreboard, booting four goals to one.

Jeff Garlett kicked two for the term and Hogan booted his third, as Jayden Hunt opened his account with a dashing goal on the run.

Riewoldt, who managed his fourth, was Richmond’s only goalkicker for the quarter. Grigg had the chance to kick his second after the siren, but his shot missed for a behind.

At three quarter-time, Melbourne led by 20 points.

Oliver had 28 touches by the final change, as Hibberd had 23. 

Final quarter: Richmond 12.16 (88) d Melbourne 11.9 (75)

For the third time in the match, Riewoldt kicked the opening goal of the term. His fifth got the ball rolling for the Tigers, and when goals followed from Daniel Rioli and Dustin Martin, Richmond levelled the scores at the 13-minute mark.

But when Melbourne gained a rushed behind at the 18-minute mark, it was back in front. Riewoldt then had the chance to kick his sixth, but his effort from the pocket went through for a behind. Entering time-on, the scores were level once again. 

The arm-wrestle continued. Another rushed behind put the Dees back in front and when Martin booted his second behind for the term, the scores were equal yet again.

Then, at the 24-minute mark, Riewoldt got his sixth and Josh Caddy landed the final blow at the 29-minute mark and Richmond won by 13 points. In the wash-up, Melbourne was unable to land a major in the final term.

Oliver and Martin had 32 disposals each - the most for the match. Hibberd was next best with 27.