MELBOURNE coach Dean Bailey believes Richmond superstar Matthew Richardson can win this year's Brownlow Medal.

Richardson, 33, is having one of his best ever seasons. He was superb again in the Tigers' 22-point win over Melbourne at Telstra Dome on Sunday night, drifting from the wing into the forward line to kick five goals, take 18 marks (four contested) and collect 21 disposals.

Asked if Richardson was playing well enough to win the Brownlow, Bailey simply replied "yes".

"He's unpredictable, but he's very exciting," Bailey said.

"He took one mark and ran from half-back and just almost launched himself lateral to the ground and took a mark, running inside 50. He's got some special qualities – there's no doubt about that.

"He kicked five in a game and how he played and all over the ground, he's well on the way [to winning the Brownlow]."