GAME DAY: Richmond v Melbourne at the MCG | 3AW Radio
FULL TIME
Richmond has won by 13 points in front of over 85,000 fans at the G.
The Demons led by 20 points at three-quarter time, but with only two rotations on the bench, they wilted in the final quarter.
The final crowd figure is 85,657. https://t.co/VH25xrq7Ct
? 3AW Football (@3AWisfootball) April 24, 2017
Jack Riewoldt booted six goals in a performance Leigh Matthews described as ‘gigantic’.
Riewoldt told 3AW he was happy the side found a way to win.
‘To be honest, we’ve been in that position where we haven’t taken that step,’ he said.
‘Sometimes it’s a bit of a scary step, stepping into the unknown and having belief in the group.
‘But it’s infectious… it feeds through the group. Guys grow off each other. It’s amazing what belief and enthusiasm can do.’
Click play for the full-time wrap and Riewoldt interview
Click play for match highlights
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HALF TIME
Melbourne leads by six points after a hard-fought first half.
Clayton Oliver has been busy in the guts, while Michael Hibberd has been impressive off half-back in his first game as a Demon.
Jack Riewoldt has been the dominant forward on the ground, with three goals.
Leigh Matthews said Richmond looks more likely to kick a winning score from here.
‘If they can get a bit of ball in their forward line, they’re looking more dangerous,’ Lethal said.
‘Richmond’s defence has been under siege, but Melbourne don’t look like scoring much against them.’
Melbourne has some injury concerns, with Tim Smith headed to hospital with fears of a collapsed lung.
Christian Petracca (knee) and Jake Spencer (back) have also been hampered by knocks.
Click play for the half-time wrap with injury update
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Injured Demon ruckman Max Gawn spoke to 3AW Football before the game.
Gawn has done away with his signature beard… and it’s already caused him trouble at the MCG.
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Richmond football manager Neil Balme spoke to 3AW about two Tigers who are battling concussion.
Nick Vlastuin will miss the clash against Melbourne after suffering concussion last week, his second in the last year.
Balme said he hopes Vlastuin will be right to take on Adelaide next week.
Ruckman Ben Griffiths also took a knock in the VFL – while returning from concussion.
‘It’s not looking good for him,’ Balme said.
Balme said the club instructs its doctors to be very conservative when treating concussion.
Click play for the full story
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Richmond may be undefeated after four games, but question marks still remain.
Are the Tigers the real deal? Or have they just had a soft run to open the season?
Similarly, Melbourne has yet to convince their fans that they’ve truly turned the corner.
Last week’s shock loss to Fremantle was a display from the Melbourne of old that we had hoped they’d left behind.
With star forward Jesse Hogan returning from suspension, and former Bomber Michael Hibberd set to make his club debut, the Dees are closing in on a full strength 22.
Will they hand Richmond its first loss of the season? Or can the Tigers roll on to 5-0 for the first time since 1995?
Join the No. 1 commentary team in the game on 3AW Football.
TODAY’S LINE-UP from 6PM: Leigh Matthews, Jimmy Bartel, Tim Lane, Shane McInnes, and Tiff Cherry.
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