Richmond has lost its sixth game of the season, against Melbourne in front of 56,910 fans at the MCG.

In a tight, contested battle for much of the game, the Tigers failed to make the most of their opportunities in front of goal, kicking 9.20 for the day, compared to the Demons’ 14.7.

The biggest margin of the day was the final one (17 points), with no team able to maintain a consistent run of momentum.

David Astbury went down with a knee injury in the third term when he tried to shift his balance in a tackling attempt, with scans to determine the extent of the injury.

In his first game for the Tigers, Ben Lennon provided some much needed spark up forward, when he came on as the substitute in the third quarter, kicking two goals (including one with his first kick), collecting eight disposals, and showing good defensive pressure inside 50.

Dustin Martin was the Tigers’ best player all day running through the midfield, amassing 31 disposals, seven clearances, six inside 50s, and one goal.

Shane Edwards tried valiantly up forward all afternoon, kicking two goals and laying six tackles.

Jack Riewoldt and Ben Griffiths combined for 1.6 and eight marks between them, in what was a tough day for the forwards of both teams.

Daniel Jackson continued his consistent season with 30 disposals and five clearances, while Trent Cotchin worked hard in an enthralling head-to-head battle with Nathan Jones, collecting 26 disposals and laying six tackles, despite carrying an ankle injury.

The Tigers face the GWS Giants next Saturday afternoon at Spotless Stadium.

RICHMOND      2.3   4.8   6.16   9.20 (74)
MELBOURNE   1.3   4.5   9.6   14.7 (91)

GOALS
Richmond: Lennon 2, Edwards 2, Jackson, Riewoldt, Martin, Lloyd, Cotchin
Melbourne: Watts 3, Tyson 2, Pedersen 2, N. Jones, M. Jones, Riley, Dawes, Viney, Vince, Kennedy-Harris
 
BEST
Richmond: Martin, Deledio, Jackson, Cotchin
Melbourne: Tyson, N. Jones, Pedersen, Viney, Dawes, Howe, Watts
 
INJURIES
Richmond: Astbury (left knee), Cotchin (ankle)
Melbourne: Neville Jetta (Gastro) replaced in selected side by Jimmy Toumpas.
 
SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Shaun Hampson replaced by Ben Lennon in the third quarter
Melbourne: Aidan Riley replaced by Jay Kennedy-Harris in the third quarter
 
Reports: Nil
Umpires: Fisher, Nicholls, Ryan
Official crowd: 56,960 at the MCG