Melbourne’s class beat Richmond, but not before the Tigers threw an early punch that briefly troubled the Demons.
Richmond brought energy and edge in the early stages, troubling Melbourne in offense and drawing them closer to the contest. Their pressure was intense, their intent was clear – and for a moment, it looked like they might turn the night into a rout on their terms.
But Melbourne doesn’t need much window.
Once the Devils found their rhythm, the game moved quickly and decisively. Their ball movement became sharper, their composure returned, and their upper class began to speak. What was a competition became an exercise in control.
At the center of it all was Kozzie Pickett, who gave a performance that underlined his growth in the competition. Electric from the start, Pickett finished with 29 goals and four goals in a best-of-the-ground display that mixed play and results. Whenever the game threatened to tighten up, he opened it up.
And in the dying stages, after most Tigers fans had already left, Pickett took what could be the highlight of the year. He launched on Campbell Gray after using the baby as a stepladder.
He is quickly becoming the form player of the competition – and on a night like this, he looks almost unstoppable.
Richmond had its moments, especially early on, but Melbourne’s brilliance eventually separated the sides and the floodgates opened late on.
What could have been a respectable loss for the Tigers turned ugly in the final quarter.
