Melbourne slammed on seven unanswered goals from midway through the third quarter to record a come from behind win over a desperate but wasteful Richmond in a pulsating Anzac Eve clash.
But they had to work hard to overcome an excellent Richmond plan, needing Jacob van Rooyen to stand up after a quiet night to kick three goals in the last quarter to separate the two teams. The cult figure had turned 20 just eight days earlier.
The pre-game ceremony moved the bumper crowd at the MCG.Credit: AFL Photos
Richmond threw more punches in the first half than they had thrown in the previous three rounds as they looked to find some rhythm in their stuttering season. But they could not keep it up with Christian Petracca and Jack Viney instrumental in turning the tide the Demons’ way.
Richmond’s big recruits Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper made an impression in the first half as the Tigers dominated clearances until midway through the second quarter.
That gave Richmond early territory with Noah Cumberland making the most of his chances in the first quarter, kicking three goals to set the Tigers on their way. Two of his three were snaps executed in identical fashion as he took a lateral step before snapping on his left foot. However Michael Hibberd moved on to him at quarter-time and shut him down.
Clayton Oliver celebrates a crucial goal with his Melbourne teammates.Credit: AFL Photos
With ascendancy in the centre, the Tigers were able to implement their plan to fire the ball in low and hard inside 50 from all angles.
The approach was worrying Melbourne, with Jack Riewoldt on the end of several passes. Unfortunately, from the Tigers’ perspective, the straight shooter could only kick 2.2 from four shots.
They shot to a four-goal lead and the Demons were staring down consecutive defeats.
But with no time to waste the Demons lifted. Inspired by their vice captain Jack Viney, they began to shift the game’s momentum, winning territory and creating goal scoring opportunities and drew within striking distance at half-time.
The third quarter was end-to-end football, with the game played with both teams keeping the accelerator to the floor. It did not help either side to hit targets as they turned the ball over repeatedly but gradually the Demons chipped away at the margin with Riewoldt’s two goals allowing the Tigers to keep their noses in front.
Richmond coach Damien Hardwick delivers an impassioned plea to his side.Credit: AFL Photos
But they were losing their handle on the game, as Hibberd shut down Cumberland, and the Tigers squandered chances late in the third quarter with Samson Ryan and Maurice Rioli jnr missing set shots only to watch Clayton Oliver kick a goal after the siren to bring the final break’s margin back to two points.
Kade Chandler kicked two important goals in the third quarter and ensured the Demons hit the lead early in the final term when he picked up a loose ball in the goal square and kicked a goal.
When van Rooyen took a screamer moments later and converted the goal the momentum was with Melbourne. He immediately followed up with a second goal to break Richmond’s hearts and stamp himself on the competition with the Demons’ season in good shape while the Tigers are well off the pace.
Melbourne: 2.2 6.2 10.5 15.6 (96)
Richmond: 5.2 8.4 10.7 11.12 (78)
GOALS
Melbourne: Chandler 3, van Rooyen 3, Neal-Bullen, Viney, Pickett, Fritsch, Petty, Langdon, Jordon, Oliver, Gawn.
Richmond: Riewoldt 4, Cumberland 3, Hopper, Mansell, Ryan, Martin.
BEST
Melbourne: Petracca, Hibberd, Viney, Gawn, Langdon, Neale-Bullen.
Richmond: Short, Hopper, Riewoldt, Daniel Rioli, Balta.
VOTES
Christian Petracca (Melbourne) 8
Jayden Short (Richmond) 8
Michael Hibberd (Melbourne) 8
Jack Viney (Melbourne) 7
Max Gawn (Melbourne) 7
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