Richmond wanted to win for Tommy, but so did Melbourne.

Demons coach Paul Roos also used AFL coaching legend Tom Hafey as motivation for his players, who produced a stirring 17-point win over the Tigers on Saturday at the MCG.

Hafey died on Monday and the Tigers badly wanted to win this game in honour of their iconic four-time premiership coach.

They held a touching pre-game ceremony that involved members of his family and more than 30 premiership players from Richmond’s Hafey era.

But Roos also pointed out to his players pre-game that Hafey meant a lot to everyone in the AFL.

“Obviously he’s a Richmond four-time premiership (coach), but he’s been at Geelong, he’s been at Collingwood, he’s been at the Swans,” Roos said.

“He’s a football person – we had to deliver something for Tom Hafey as well.

“This wasn’t just about Richmond.

“It was a big day for Richmond, I don’t want to downplay that, but it was a big day for us to play well.”

The win was a big step forward for Melbourne, who continue to impress in Roos’ first season as coach after years of despair.

They now have three wins from nine games and are much more sound defensively.

After failing to nail a close match against the Western Bulldogs last weekend, this time Melbourne held their nerve.

Richmond had eight more scoring shots and also drew to within four points in the last term, but Melbourne kicked the last two goals.

Co-captain Nathan Jones again starred in the midfield; Jack Watts kicked two crucial last-term goals; Cam Pedersen and Chris Dawes were also strong in attack; midfielder Dom Tyson had 23 possessions and Jeremy Howe keeps impressing as a defender.

The win will fuel the speculation about Roos’ long-term future.

He currently has a two-year contract at Melbourne, with an option to extend that tenure.

“It probably makes me feel better in the short term, because I’m aware of the pain this club’s had for so many (years),” Roos said of the win.

“I’m here to make a difference. Sometimes you feel guilty that we’re probably not improving as much as I would have liked, but you understand how far we’re coming back.

“But I don’t really think too much about the longer-term stuff, it’s more that short-term stuff for the people who’ve endured so much hard times.

“It’s great to see Melbourne fans celebrating after a game.”