AFTER a round-one shocker against Hawthorn, Melbourne is now just out of the top eight on percentage after notching up an emphatic 55-point victory over Richmond at the MCG on Sunday.

The Demons 20.13 (133) defeated the Tigers 11.12 (78) to record consecutive victories for the first time since rounds 14 and 15, 2009.

After leading by just six points at the main break, Melbourne blew the game apart in the third quarter, kicking seven goals to zip, resulting in a 50-point lead at the final change.

Melbourne skipper James McDonald continued to belie his status as the AFL's fifth oldest player, racking up 14 touches in the first term, before finishing with 30.

Brent Moloney (37 disposals), Brad Green (four goals and 24 disposals) and Colin Sylvia (five goals), in his comeback match from a broken jaw, were also outstanding. 

Last year's No.1 NAB AFL draft pick Tom Scully also played his best game yet, claiming 26 possessions.

Melbourne coach Dean Bailey complimented Richmond's effort in the second term but indicated it was a game of two halves.

"We battled hard in the first half and the Tigers came and took their opportunities," he said.

"In the second half, we stuck at it and created some opportunities and took them, whereas in the second quarter we created opportunities and didn't hit the scoreboard, kicking six points.

"The second half was good to see the run and the effort was really pleasing to see."

Watch Dean Bailey's post-match press conference »

For the Tigers, Richmond forward Jack Riewoldt worked hard to finish with three goals and nine marks, including a game high four contested. Debutant David Astbury also booted three majors.

Shane Tuck (31 disposals and a game-high six rebounds) had the most touches for the Tigers, playing off half-back. Tall defender Kelvin Moore also worked tirelessly.

Errant goal kicking had been a topic of conversation in the lead-up to round four, but it was a non-issue in a highly-entertaining first quarter with 13.3 registered, including 8.1 from Melbourne.

The last time the Demons kicked eight goals in an opening term was round 20, 2000 against Fremantle at Etihad Stadium. For the record, it kicked 8.2 back then. 

There were some fine individual efforts throughout the match, including two brilliant goals. 

In-form Dee Ricky Petterd made a diving knock-on from the boundary line - a la Wayne Harmes - to set up an opportunistic Matthew Bate goal in the first term.

Not to be outdone, in the second quarter Tiger Mitch Morton snapped a high one from the pocket, which wobbled through for a top goal.

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick managed to find positives in the loss.

"If you take the third quarter out of the game, we lose by 11-points," he said.

"The thing we have to get better at - and it goes with a young inexperienced side - is that when that does happen you need to be able to stop the run on and that is something we need to address.

"For three quarters we were OK, but in that third quarter we let ourselves down badly."

Melbourne will now be aiming for a hat-trick of wins when it hosts the Brisbane Lions at the MCG next Saturday night. The Demons have not strung together a trio or more wins since rounds 10 to 15, 2006.

For the Tigers, winless and on the bottom after four rounds, they now head across the Nullarbor to take on Fremantle at Subiaco Oval next Sunday.

Richmond has also lost all four matches this year by 52 points or more.

Richmond 5.2 7.7 7.9 11.12 (78)
Melbourne 8.1 8.7 15.11 20.13 (133)

GOALS
Richmond: Astbury 3, Riewoldt 3, Tambling, Morton, Nason, Taylor, Tuck
Melbourne:  Sylvia 5, Green 4, Bate 3, Petterd 2, Bail 2, McDonald, Jamar, Dunn, Bartram

BEST
Richmond: Moore, Tuck, Deledio, Collins, Jackson, Cotchin.
Melbourne: McDonald, Moloney, Green, Sylvia, Jones, Bruce.
INJURIES
Richmond: Jackson (upper leg)
Melbourne: Nil

Reports: Brent Moloney (Melbourne) reported by umpire Scott McLaren for striking Ben Nason (Richmond) during the second quarter.

Umpires: Kennedy, McLaren, Grun
Official crowd: 42, 594 at MCG

The views in this article are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.