Melbourne’s class proved too much for a plucky Richmond, but not before the Tigers threw an early punch that briefly rattled the Demons.
Richmond brought the energy and edge in the opening stages, harassing Melbourne into mistakes and matching them around the contest. Their pressure was sharp, their intent clear — and for a time, it looked like they might turn the night into a scrap on their terms.
But Melbourne don’t need much of a window.
Once the Demons found their rhythm, the game shifted quickly and decisively. Their ball movement sharpened, their composure returned, and their superior class began to tell. What had been a contest became an exercise in control.