Melbourne expected by most to be unchallenged in 2022, potentially going undefeated through most of the season and the final series. Lever out for the Dees, Bolton marks and converts the first goal for the Tigers. Lynch gets the next, Melbourne don't reply til a minute remaining in the term. A goal by Brown, followed by another and Melbourne up 4. Richmond's scoring opportunities dry up in the 2nd term, until Graham goals from 50. The Dees with many missed shots, the smalls, Sparrow, Spargo and the like, the Tigers up 3 at the half. I say it time and again, Gawn's everywhere, tackling, diving smothers, marks in defense, he's insane. The Dees lucky to be getting so many free-kicks though, with their inaccuracy, they could've been under scoreboard pressure. Fritsch kicks back to back goals and the Dees kick away, up 21 going into the last. Melbourne go on with it to win comfortably by 22 points, remaining undefeated in 2022. Melbourne won the hit-outs, +9 in clearances, with more of the footy. They had 22 more inside 50's, for 15 more scoring shots, kicking 22 behinds. Oliver best afield, with 41 disposals, 13 clearances, 9 inside 50's, 684 metres gained and 10 score involvements. Gawn 19 disposals, 30 hit-outs and 4 contested marks. Langdon 30 disposals, 6 inside 50's, 5 intercepts, 599 metres gained and a goal. Petty 17 disposals, 2 contested marks, 9 intercepts. For the Tigers, Vlastuin 30 disposals, 13 intercepts, 544 metres gained and an assist.
3. (Melb) C. Oliver, 2. (Melb) M. Gawn, 1. (Rich) N. Vlastuin.
3. (Melb) C. Oliver, 2. (Melb) M. Gawn, 1. (Rich) N. Vlastuin.