Richmond has gone down to Melbourne by 32 points in an enthralling shootout at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.

Demon Harrison Petty kicked a career-high six goals as Melbourne eventually broke down the Tigers late in the 20.10 (130) to 15.8 (98) triumph.

But he wasn't the only one to have a day out for the Demons in their fourth consecutive win, with Jake Melksham and Jacob van Rooyen booting four goals apiece to help the Demons move two games clear in fourth spot.

They finished far stronger than Richmond, kicking the last six goals of the game to post their highest score since round seven and settle a gripping battle in front of 52,294 fans.

Richmond would have climbed into the top eight if it had won but was left kicking itself after letting its lead slip. 

Tim Taranto (24 disposals), Jacob Hopper (23) and Shai Bolton (25) all fought hard in a losing battle, while Tigers superstar Dustin Martin kicked 3.2 from 21 disposals and had 11 score involvements.

Martin booted two majors in the third quarter, including one from the centre square, as Richmond surged ahead in slippery conditions.

They looked likely winners when Martin's long-range shot sailed through at the six-minute mark of the third term, but the lead had evaporated by three-quarter time.

The Demons kicked five of the next six goals and added another 6.4 to 2.0 in the final term.

Noah Balta's goal 10 minutes into the last quarter had put Richmond in front but they were no match for Melbourne when it mattered most.

RICHMOND      5.4    9.7    13.8   15.8 (98)
MELBOURNE    3.5    8.5    14.6   20.10 (130) 

GOALS
Richmond: Martin 3, Baker 2, McIntosh 2, Balta, Bolton, Coulthard, Prestia, Riewoldt, Rioli, Soldo, Taranto
Melbourne: Petty 6, Melksham 4, van Rooyen 4, Chandler, Hunter, Neal-Bullen, Petracca, Pickett

SUBSTITUTES
Richmond: Matthew Coulthard (replaced Ben Miller in the third quarter)
Melbourne: Joel Smith (replaced Adam Tomlinson in the third quarter)

Crowd: TBC at the MCG