Melbourne has taken another step towards securing a top-six berth after a resounding 46-point win over Richmond.

The Dees controlled the game from the outset and proved too classy for the Tigers, recording a 16.15 (111) to 9.11 (65) win.

Steven King's troops were simply too strong for the Tigers, firing on all cylinders in wet and windy conditions at the MCG.

It was Melbourne's ninth straight victory at the MCG under King this year, taking their win-loss record to 11-6 for the season so far.

Spearhead Jacob Van Rooyen continued his rich vein of form as the most dangerous player on the ground, booting an equal career-high six goals to back up his haul of five last week against Hawthorn.

The Dees dominated the Tigers across most key metrics, including disposals (+82), inside 50s (+16) and marks (+46).

Richmond captain Toby Nankervis had an intriguing battle with Max Gawn throughout the afternoon, toiling away to finish with two goals, including a tidy finish from the pocket.

Midfield star Tim Taranto was busy, accumulating a team-high 26 disposals and a goal. Debutant Zane Peucker joined the first kick, first goal club, in an exciting sign of his potential.

Vale Nathan Fitzgerald
Both Melbourne and Richmond came together in a heartfelt pre-match tribute for Nathan Fitzgerald, who passed away last weekend in a tragic accident while playing for Epping's reserves side. Umpires, coaches and players from both teams stood arm-in-arm as the entire MCG observed a minute's silence before the first bounce, while Nathan's brother, Matt, and family friend Isaac Tehan, tossed the coin. Fitzgerald's friends and Epping teammates were also involved at the MCG to pay tribute.

MELBOURNE   5.2   9.9   12.11   16.15 (111)
RICHMOND   3.2   4.5   5.10   9.11 (65)

GOALS
Melbourne: Van Rooyen 6, Melksham 2, Gawn 2, Windsor, Bowey, Jefferson, L. Pickett, Sparrow, Sharp
Richmond: Nankervis 2, Alger 2, Cumming 2, Taranto, Peucker, Lefau

BEST
Melbourne: Van Rooyen, Bowey, Gawn, Fitzgerald, K. Pickett, Turner, Steele
Richmond: Taranto, Nankervis, Vlastuin, Retschko

INJURIES
Melbourne: Nil
Richmond: Nil

LATE CHANGES
Melbourne: Harrison Petty (hamstring) replaced in the selected side by Jake Melksham
Richmond: Nil

Crowd: 32,893 at the MCG