Unbeaten Melbourne pass a big test with AFL win over Richmond — but Tigers face a tough month ahead

For the last few years, there has been a benchmark test for any team that finds themselves in the conversation about AFL flag contenders.

The question is: how did you go against Richmond?

So when Melbourne started the season unbeaten at 5-0, the buzz rose about the Demons, but some doubts remained.

After Melbourne’s stunning 34-point win over the Tigers in the wet at the MCG on ANZAC Day eve, however, Simon Goodwin’s team have answered the question. They may or may not win the flag, but are they genuine contenders? Absolutely.

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They came into the match having lost five straight against the Tigers, and early on it looked like they would be facing a similar outcome.

Richmond had the Demons on the back foot from the start, dominating…