Melbourne Demons vs Richmond Tigers: From Gritty Contest to Final Quarter Blitz – Dees Dominate the Tigers
- May 1
- 5 min read
Updated: May 5
Under the iconic lights of the MCG on Anzac Eve 2026, the Melbourne Demons faced the Richmond Tigers in a traditional Friday night blockbuster. Fresh off a nail-biting win the previous week, the Demons were looking to build momentum under their new coaching setup, while the young and developing Tigers side aimed to secure their first victory of the season and show the fight that has become their trademark in recent years.
The atmosphere was electric from the opening bounce, with both teams bringing plenty of physicality and intensity. Richmond started with real energy and edge, harassing Melbourne into some early mistakes and matching them around the contest. The Demons, however, gradually found their rhythm, led by the brilliant Kysaiah Pickett, who was electric from the outset.
What followed was a classic Anzac Eve contest: three quarters of genuine arm-wrestle and back-and-forth football, before Melbourne produced a decisive final-term surge that lit up the famous arena. Standout moments included Pickett’s breathtaking Mark of the Year contender late in the last quarter and a dominant display from the Demons’ forward and midfield brigade.
1st Quarter
The Tigers opened the match with confidence. Jonty Faull kicked the first goal of the game, giving Richmond an early spark. Richmond also started well around the clearances, with Noah Balta beginning in the ruck and the Tigers winning the first three clearances. Melbourne responded through Matthew Jefferson, who kicked the Demons’ first goal from a kick-in. Richmond kept pushing early, and Steely Green added another goal to keep the Tigers right in the contest. But after that early Richmond burst, Melbourne began to settle. The Demons lifted their ball movement, found cleaner entries, and started to control more territory. Kade Chandler, Caleb Windsor, and Tom Sparrow all hit the scoreboard, while Mykelti Lefau kicked a late goal for Richmond to keep the Tigers within reach.
Scores at quarter time: Richmond 3.1 (19) – Melbourne 4.4 (28). Melbourne led by 9 points.
Key contributors included early goals for Richmond from players like Faull and others, with Melbourne replying through Green, Chandler, Windsor, Sparrow, and Lefau in the flow of play.
2nd Quarter
The second quarter began with a special moment for Richmond as Sam Cumming kicked the first goal of his AFL career in his debut game. It was a huge moment for the young Tiger and gave Richmond another lift. Seth Campbell followed with a goal, and Richmond’s set-shot kicking was excellent early. The Tigers were making the most of their chances and were putting real pressure on Melbourne. Melbourne answered through Harry Sharp and Bailey Laurie, but Richmond continued to challenge. Hugo Ralphsmithkicked a goal, and the Tigers were winning more contested possessions during parts of the quarter. Then Melbourne’s stars started to take over. Kysaiah Pickett kicked two important second-quarter goals, showing his speed, class, and ability to hurt Richmond when the ball hit the ground. Harvey Langford also kicked a goal, and Brody Mihocek added another late in the quarter. Richmond got one back through Kane McAuliffe right before half-time, but Melbourne had done enough damage to build a solid lead.
Scores at half time: Richmond 7.2 (44) – Melbourne 10.5 (65). Melbourne led by 21 points.
The quarter opened up more, allowing Melbourne’s class to show through as they built a handy buffer.
3rd Quarter
The third quarter started exactly how Richmond needed it to. Mykelti Lefau kicked his second goal of the match, and Richmond’s set-shot kicking remained sharp. The Tigers continued to fight hard. Tom Lynch kicked a goal after being a major target inside 50, and Seth Campbell added his second goal to keep Richmond alive.
For a while, Richmond looked like they could keep hanging around and maybe make Melbourne nervous. But every time the Tigers found a goal, Melbourne had an answer. Brody Mihocek kicked his second goal, Matthew Jefferson added another, and Kysaiah Pickett kicked his third. The Demons were not fully breaking the game open yet, but they were controlling it.
Scores at three-quarter time: Richmond 10.5 (65) – Melbourne 13.9 (87). Melbourne led by 22 points.
It still felt like a genuine contest heading into the final term.
4th Quarter
Melbourne unleashed a dominant six-goal final term, overwhelming Richmond with superior finishing and class to blow the game open. The Demons turned a 22-point lead into a 54-point victory. The final quarter was where the match changed completely. Melbourne came out with power, speed, and confidence. Bayley Fritsch kicked the first big goal of the final term, then Caleb Windsor added another. The Tigers were suddenly under huge pressure, and the Demons were turning forward-half opportunities into quick scores. Then Pickett stepped up again. At 10:58 of the final quarter, Kysaiah Pickett kicked his fourth goal, putting the finishing touches on a brilliant performance. His ability to win the ball, burst forward, create scoring chances, and finish in front of goal made him the standout player on the ground. Fritsch kicked another goal, Brody Mihocek added his third, and Max Gawn eventually joined the scoring late. Richmond managed one final-quarter goal through Sam Lalor, but by then Melbourne had completely taken control. The Demons outworked, outran, and outscored Richmond in the final term, blowing the game open and running away with a dominant win.
Pickett’s Mark of the Year Moment
Even with the result already decided, Kysaiah Pickett still had one more magical moment left.
With about one minute remaining, the ball came flying forward and Pickett launched himself into the contest. He rose high, attacked the ball with perfect timing, and pulled down a spectacular grab that instantly felt like a Mark of the Year contender.
The MCG crowd erupted. It was the perfect final image of the night: Pickett soaring above the pack, full of confidence, putting an exclamation mark on one of the best performances of his season. He had already dominated the match with his goals, disposals, clearances, and metres gained. But that late mark turned his night into something unforgettable.
It was not just a great game. It was a Kozzy Pickett show.
Notable scoring progression in the final quarter (approximate times based on play-by-play):
Early goals helped Melbourne push the lead out steadily.
At one stage the score sat at Richmond 65 – Melbourne 113 (after a Fritsch goal).
Kysaiah Pickett then kicked a goal to make it 65–106 (Melbourne still building momentum).
Bayley Fritsch added another to reach 65–112.
Brody Mihocek (#28) then scored a goal that took Melbourne’s total to 119 points (score: Richmond 65 – Melbourne 119). This was a key moment in the blitz as the Demons pulled further clear with about six minutes remaining in the game.15
Richmond replied with a goal from S. Lalor to make it 71–119.
Max Gawn added a goal and behinds late to help seal the final margin.
Final score: Richmond 11.6 (72) – Melbourne 19.12 (126).
Kysaiah Pickett (#36) was best on ground overall with 4 goals, 29 disposals, and a spectacular mark-of-the-year contender. The last-quarter surge was the difference after a competitive first three terms.
Anzac Eve 2026 Awards at the MCG – Melbourne Demons v Richmond Tigers
After a thrilling and dominant performance on Anzac Eve, the Melbourne Demons claimed a 54-point victory over the Richmond Tigers (19.12 (126) to 11.6 (72)). Post-match, the traditional awards were presented on the ground at the MCG.
Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal (Best on Ground)
Winner: Kysaiah Pickett (Melbourne) Pickett delivered a career-best performance, finishing with 29 disposals, 4 goals, 6 clearances, 7 score involvements, and 771 metres gained. He capped it with a spectacular Mark of the Year contender in the final quarter. This was his second-highest rated game, and he thoroughly deserved the medal for a true masterclass.
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