AFL: Gawn powers Melbourne past Richmond in ANZAC Eve win

Max Gawn has delivered another standout ANZAC Eve performance to guide Melbourne to its first consecutive victories of the 2025 AFL season, overcoming Richmond by 20 points in front of a packed MCG.

The Melbourne Demons skipper backed up his demolition of Sean Darcy a week earlier with another dominant showing, this time against Toby Nankervis, finishing with 25 disposals, 34 hitouts, nine marks and six clearances in the 12.11 (83) to 9.9 (63) win.

In a game where neither side could generate momentum in a sluggish first half, it was Gawn who provided the spark — and when the game opened up after the main break, Melbourne seized control.

After a dour opening half with four lead changes and numerous skill errors, Melbourne came out firing in the third term.

They piled on 6.3 to 1.2 in their best quarter of the season, dominating disposals (127-74), contested ball (45-31), inside 50s (15-7), and tackles (28-8) to wrestle control away from Richmond.

With the pressure rating soaring above 230, the Demons’ relentless forward handball game overwhelmed the Tigers, as Christian Petracca (28 disposals, two goals), Ed Langdon (28, one goal), and Bayley Fritsch (two goals) hit the scoreboard.

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Kysaiah Pickett, held to five first-half touches, also lit up the MCG in the second half, finishing with 14 disposals and a crucial goal.

Jack Viney answered critics with a fierce defensive effort in the midfield, laying 15 tackles — including six in the third quarter — and nullifying Tim Taranto’s impact at the source.

Clayton Oliver had just five touches to half-time but roared into the game with a 13-disposal third quarter, helping the Dees dominate stoppages and field position.

Melbourne kicked eight of nine goals either side of half-time to build a 44-point lead early in the final term.

Richmond mounted a late flurry, kicking four consecutive goals in the final term, but the damage had already been done.

Taranto (22 disposals, two goals), Jacob Hopper (26), and Nick Vlastuin (27, nine intercepts) were among the Tigers’ best, but their second-half fade-out cost them the chance at back-to-back wins.

Tom Lynch struggled in front of goal, missing multiple set shots, while costly moments from Maurice Rioli Jr. and Vlastuin gifted Harrison Petty two easy majors.

For the second straight year, Max Gawn claimed the Frank ‘Checker’ Hughes Medal as best on ground in the ANZAC Eve clash, reinforcing his standing as the league’s most influential big man.

Melbourne now sit 2-5 and will look to continue their resurgence against Carlton next week, while Richmond faces a rising Essendon on Sunday afternoon.

Melbourne v Richmond final score

Melbourne 12.11 (83)
Richmond 9.9 (63)

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