The Demons 6.5 (41) went down to the Tigers 18.13 (121) to finish the season with just three wins – their worst performance since Ron Barassi's first season as coach in 1981. As a result, Melbourne claimed its first wooden spoon since 1997.
The shining light out of Melbourne's disappointing 2008 campaign – its 150th year and its first under first-year senior coach Dean Bailey – is that it now has the first selection in the November NAB AFL Draft.
However, it was the day the Demons said goodbye to Yze (271 matches) and White (236 for Melbourne), who have played the third and seventh most games in the club's history. Holland also played his 66th match for the club after starting his career with Richmond.
Yze was among his side's best with 25 disposals, as White was Melbourne's only multiple goalkicker with two majors. Holland also chipped in with a goal.
Defenders Matthew Warnock and Colin Garland also battled hard, spending time on Richmond superstar Matthew Richardson, who had just 12 touches for the day. Matthew Whelan was also solid down back.
The match never lived up to any great heights – and at times was a comedy of errors – and weather wise Melbourne lived up to its 'four seasons in one day' reputation with the 'G experiencing bright sunshine, dark clouds and heavy rain throughout the day.
Adding to Melbourne's miserable day was a hamstring injury to Ricky Petterd, playing just his second match for the season after battling injury. Nathan Jones also received a cut head early and Col Sylvia played on with an ankle injury.
After an even first quarter, Richmond dominated with 16 goals to four. The Tigers also blitzed with 67 inside 50s to 34, and racked up 427 disposals to 351.
For Richmond, Joel Bowden was best-on-ground with three goals and 34 disposals (including 22 by half-time), as Shane Tuck continued his outstanding second half of the season with 30 touches. Brett Deledio (four goals and 25) and Chris Newman (30) also shone for the Tigers.
The opening term was typical of the day – a ho-hum affair.
Just four goals were registered in the first quarter – two from each side – but Richmond's seven scoring shots to three resulted in a four-point advantage at the first break.
The Tigers stepped up considerably in the second term and all but ended Melbourne's day, with six goals to one. White was the red and blue's lone goalscorer during this period.
Consequently, Melbourne trailed by 38 points at the long change.
Any thought of a red and blue comeback – a la against Fremantle in round seven this year – was thwarted in the third quarter, when Richmond piled on five unanswered goals.
Holland was Melbourne's sole goalkicker in the third term.
The final term was merely playing out time, as Richmond added six goals to two and notched up its third consecutive win over the Demons.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the AFL or the clubs.
DETAILS
Melbourne 2.1 3.1 4.4 6.5 (41)
Richmond 2.5 8.9 12.10 18.13 (121)
GOALS
Melbourne: White 2, Green, Holland, Sylvia, Whelan
Richmond: Deledio 4, Bowden 3, Jackson 2, Riewoldt 2, Connors, Foley, McMahon, Morton, Tivendale, Tuck, White
BEST
Melbourne: Yze, Whelan, Bruce, Warnock, Garland
Richmond: Bowden, Tuck, Newman, Deledio, Foley, McGuane, Johnson, McMahon
INJURIES
Richmond: Connors replaced Pattison in selected side
Melbourne: Petterd (hamstring)
REPORTS
Melbourne: Miller for wrestling Morton (Rich) in the second quarter by umpire Wenn.
Richmond: Morton for wrestling Miller (Melb) in the second quarter by umpire Wenn
Umpires: Margetts, Ryan, Ellis
Official crowd: 37,046 at MCG
