Richmond roared into the AFL pre-season, with new captain Trent Cotchin starring in a comfortable win over Melbourne.
The Tigers burst out of the blocks, Cotchin starting brightly as his side dominated the midfield and had eight scoring shots to the Demons’ one in the first half on their way to a 1.2.9 (30) to 0.2.3 (15) victory.
It was the new-look Demons’ second loss at Etihad Stadium on Friday night.
Melbourne, who were earlier in the week fined $500,000 over their actions late in the 2009 season, were beaten by North Melbourne 1.4.5 (38) to 0.5.6 (36) in the opener.
The Tigers were still to take on the Kangaroos’ in the night’s final match.
Richmond had a three-pronged attack, with ex-North Melbourne recruit Aaron Edwards slotting in alongside Coleman Medallist Jack Riewoldt and forward-ruckman Ty Vickery, who missed the last half of last season with shoulder problems.
They were given plenty of opportunity, with the Tigers taking the ball inside their attack 16 times to the Demons’ four in the first half.
Riewoldt and Vickery each kicked a first-half goal, while running defender Bachar Houli, who had a strong game, booted a nine-point super goal.
Small defender Steven Morris was also good for the Tigers, blanketing Aaron Davey and winning plenty of the ball.
But he gave Melbourne their only goal of the first half, giving away a free kick and 50m penalty to put Jack Watts in range to goal.
Watts, who played in defence, was among the Demons’ best and had a big hand in Richmond not kicking further clear in the second half.
Melbourne draftee Jimmy Toumpas had an impressive debut, with eight touches and a goal, while reigning best-and-fairest winner Nathan Jones was good for the Demons in both of their matches.
In the opening game, Majak Daw, the AFL’s first Sudanese-born player, who has been elevated to North Melbourne’s main list after three years as a rookie – showed some exciting glimpses in the Kangaroos’ win over the Demons, while captain Andrew Swallow starred.
Eighteen-year-old Demons tall forward Jesse Hogan, who can’t play a regular season game until next year, showed some good signs for the future, while father-son recruit Jack Viney also showed promise.
