LIGHTNING delays struck twice in Ballarat, cancelling the practice match between Melbourne and Richmond with 14 minutes to go in the third quarter.

The Demons led 12.6 (78) to 6.7 (43) when a second break in play was called at 6:15pm, exactly two hours after the first delay at 4:15pm amid stormy conditions, although no rain fell throughout the game.

The first term ran for about 68 minutes and featured 10 goals between the two teams, and there were numerous strikes sighted from afar throughout the game.

It was a match played at a hectic pace, with both sides looking to play on and lacking composure at times.

Jacob van Rooyen looks set for a big season, kicking three in the first half, looking particularly mobile across the ground and benefiting from Melbourne's quick ball movement. 

For the second week in a row, Caleb Windsor was outstanding through the middle, his class on show with ball in hand and deft touches around the field.

It was the full Tom Lynch experience, the Richmond veteran shaking off the rust in his first hitout for the year, kicking two, crashing packs and giving away the occasional free kick. After a few years of injury, he was moving at a better clip than in seasons' past.

Jayden Short led all-comers with 20 disposals in the shortened game, providing plenty of drive off half-back, while Sam Lalor's clearance work was excellent, and he had sharp hands in tight.

MELBOURNE     7.2     11.6     12.6 (78)
RICHMOND       3.1     5.5      6.7   (43)

GOALS
Melbourne: van Rooyen 3, Langford, Gawn, Chandler, Sharp, Tholstrop, Laurie, Windsor, Fritsch, L.Pickett
Richmond: Lynch 2, Rioli, Mansell, Hopper, Ralphsmith

BEST
Melbourne: Windsor, Gawn, Rivers, van Rooyen, K. Pickett, Steele
Richmond: McAuliffe, Taranto, Lalor, Hopper, Rioli

INJURIES
Melbourne: Kentfield (knee, concussion)
Richmond: Cumming (shoulder)