In a game that never reached any great heights – no surprise given there was nothing other than pride on the line – the Tigers set up the victory with an six-goals to one second term before cruising away to win 18.13 (121) to 6.5 (41).
Joel Bowden, Shane Tuck, Chris Newman, Brett Deledio and a rock solid back six were superb all day for the Tigers, while Greg Tivendale, in his last game for the club, provided the day’s highlight when he drilled a 65-metre running goal midway through the second term that sent the otherwise sedate Tiger fans into raptures.
It was one of six for the quarter that effectively put the game’s result beyond doubt despite the fact there was still a half to play.
Tivendale, 29, hopes to continue his career elsewhere in 2009 and did his chances no harm with a steady 24-possession effort.
In every department the Tigers had the Demons covered.
They won the inside 50 count 67-34, had 76 more possessions, laid 17 more tackles and importantly converted possessions into scoring opportunities to register 20 more scoring shots.
The dominance was reflected on the scoreboard where the Tigers increased their lead at every change as the likes of Tuck, Nathan Foley, Kane Johnson and Bowden did as they pleased all over the ground.
In essence, it was as complete a victory as Richmond has enjoyed all season.
While the Demons fumbled and stumbled their way through the afternoon, the Tigers’ superior skill and decision making made the game all one-way traffic.
The fact Melbourne could only produce 11 scoring shots against a defence ranked 13th in the league told the story of a miserable day for the Demons.
While Melbourne failed to make the contest an interesting one, it did have reason to celebrate given it was the last appearance in red and blue for Jeff White, Adem Yze and Ben Holland.
White played his usual serviceable game in the ruck to gather 17 touches and kick two goals, Yze was handy around the ground in gathering 25 while Holland managed a farewell goal late in the third term to give himself and fans something to smile about.
Both White and Yze are looking to play on in 2009, with Carlton rumoured to be interested in acquiring White for next season.
While some careers ended others were just beginning for Melbourne in the form of Jack Grimes. While the youngster struggled in his first game, it was invaluable experience.
As it was for the likes of Colin Garland, Addam Maric, Matthew Warnock, Simon Buckley, Clint Bartram, Ricky Petterd and Cale Morton who represent a bright future for the Melbourne Football Club.
What’s needed now is patience.
Not so for Richmond, who after ending the season with 11 wins and in ninth position, can look to 2009 optimistically from a finals perspective.
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
