The Demons 14.16 (100) to 13.14 (92) win was built on a dominant period of play from midway through the first quarter until half time.
Richmond booted the first goal of the game before the opening bounce via a free kick to Mitch Morton with Demon defender Matthew Warnock reported at the same time.
The Tigers got the second goal of the game to open up a 13-point lead but the game turned quickly.
Despite hitting the post four times in the first quarter, Melbourne led by three points at quarter-time.
But they broke the game apart in a sizzling second term when they booted eight goals to three.
Brad Miller and Colin Sylvia were outstanding in attack but their job was made easier by the Demons tactics of using the corridor.
Melbourne led at half time by 31 points.
Richmond fought back in the third term and controlled the match in general play but was unable to do much damage on the scoreboard.
Matthew Richardson got two goals but Michael Newton matched his efforts at the other end to leave Melbourne 28 points up at the final change.
Kelvin Moore booted the first goal of the final term in his 50th game to give the Tigers a sniff.
But when Petterd replied 12 minutes in, it left the Tigers with the tough task of booting five unanswered goals to win the game.
Goals to Brett Deledio and Richardson gave Richmond another yelp and the Demons lead was down to 15 points with six minutes left on the clock.
But time ran out.
The views in this story are those of the author and not necessarily those of the clubs or the AFL.
MATCH DETAILS
Richmond 2.3 5.6 9.7 13.14 (92)
Melbourne 2.6 10.7 13.11 14.16 (100)
GOALS
Richmond: Richardson 4, Brown 2, Collins 2, Deledio, McGuane, Moore, Morton, Nahas
Melbourne: Miller 3, Newton 2, Petterd 2, Sylvia 2, Bate, Davey, Dunn, Green, Jetta
BEST
Richmond: Bowden, Richardson, Foley, Polo, Tuck, Collins
Melbourne: Davey, Bruce, McLean, Miller, Sylvia, Newton, Bartram
INJURIES
Richmond: Nil
Melbourne: Green (suspected fractured jaw)
REPORTS
Richmond: Nil
Melbourne: Warnock for striking Hislop
Umpires: James, Wenn, Findlay (McLaren replaced Wenn during match)
Official crowd: 40,763 at MCG
