Dees continue to show signs of turning around their image as the AFL’s whipping boys.
A second-half surge saw the Melbourne Demons edge Richmond by 17 points at the MCG on Saturday afternoon, reports Back Page Lead.
The Demons timed their run from the third quarter superbly in a big, convincing 14.7 (91) to 9.20 (74) victory.
The match began in emotional fashion as Richmond farewelled Tom Hafey – who died last Monday aged 82 – with a minute’s round of applause.
Richmond led the Demons by a goal after a quiet first quarter, before the Demons narrowed the gap to three points at half-time.
Melbourne then surged ahead in the third period, booting five majors to Richmond’s two to lead by eight going into the last change.
In a tense final quarter, Richmond managed to claw its way back to a four-point margin with four minutes to go, only for Demons forward Jack Watts to find the ball unmarked in the area, slotting home a crucial goal.
The match was sealed when Jay Kennedy-Harris peeled off his man to mark in the back pocket before slotting home the winner for the Dees.
Watts top-scored with three goals for the Demons, while Nathan Jones led the disposal count with 33 possessions.
Dustin Martin finished the match with 31 touches for Richmond.
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