MELBOURNE showed plenty of heart, but failed to welcome new president Jim Stynes with a win, falling to Richmond by 22 points at Telstra Dome.

Trailing by 38 points at half time, the Demons staged a courageous comeback to pull within eight points in the final term, before late goals sealed the result for the Tigers.

The Demons looked to have Richmond on the ropes midway through the final quarter, but 200-gamer Nathan Brown snapped to finish off a flowing move and seal a 16.20 (116) to 14.10 (94) win.

Melbourne led by 21 points at the 25-minute mark of the first quarter, after Clint Bartram kicked his second goal, before Richmond produced its remarkable turnaround. In a stunning 15-minute period, the Tigers slammed on eight in a row to go in at half time heavy favourites.

Aaron Davey was at the heart of the third term revival – kicking two goals and taking a memorable screamer – but Richmond's second term proved the difference.

Cameron Bruce was Melbourne's best with 29 disposals, six clearances and two goals, while Paul Wheatley (29 touches) and Brock McLean (28) were also prominent. Brad Miller also booted three goals, while youngster Colin Garland again impressed.

Richmond superstar Matthew Richardson was outstanding with five goals, 21 disposals and 18 marks (including 14 contested grabs), while teammates Brett Deledio, Shane Tuck and Nathan Brown (three goals) combined for almost 80 touches.

Richmond got off to a flyer when Chris Hyde landed the first just 25 seconds into the match. But it wasn't until deep in time-on when the Tigers answered again, with back-to-back goals from Richardson.

In between, Melbourne booted five unanswered goals, including two from Bruce, who was the dominant player on the ground in the first quarter and Bartram, who pushed forward from half-back to kick a couple.

This translated into a nine-point lead at the first break for the Demons.

Brad Miller opened proceedings in the second term with a lovely set-shot goal from the Lockett End pocket, but it proved to be the only Melbourne highlight for the term, as the game swung remarkably.

By the start of the third term, the Tigers had effected a 59-point turnaround.

Goals were hard to come by early in the third term and it wasn't until Colin Garland registered the first at the 11-minute mark that the Demons ended Richmond's eight-goal streak.

Although Troy Simmonds soon replied – restoring the Tigers' 38-point advantage – the Demons were starting to build momentum and that was shown on the scoreboard when Melbourne hit back with four in quick succession.

This included two in a row from Davey, who in between threading through his majors, staked his claim for mark of the year with a classical vertical-leap screamer over Richardson, who had dropped back deep in defence.

Melbourne started the last quarter in great style, landing two goals via Jeff White and Austin Wonaeamirri to get within four points, but when Richmond landed three of the final four goals of the match, the Demons were denied victory.

Richmond         3.6       11.13   13.15   16.20 (116)
Melbourne       5.3       6.5       11.8     14.10 (94)

GOALS
Richmond: Richardson 5, Brown 3, Morton 2, Cotchin, Hyde, Polak, Simmonds, Tuck, White
Melbourne: Miller 3, Bartram 2, Bruce 2, Davey 2, Bate, Garland, Green, White, Wonaeamirri

BEST
Richmond: Richardson, Deledio, Brown, Tuck, Cotchin, Polak
Melbourne: Bruce, Wheatley, McLean, Miller, White, Garland

INJURIES
Richmond: tbc
Melbourne: tbc

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