Melbourne handed out a lesson in tackling pressure as they scrapped their way to a 27-point win over Richmond and booked a return trip to the AFL's top eight.

The Demons won 17.16 (118) to 13.13 (91) in front of 61,900 roaring fans at the MCG.

Victory for either side in Saturday's round-14 clash meant a spot in the top eight following Essendon's loss to Hawthorn on Friday night.

And it was Richmond who failed to take their chances, dominating the first 10 minutes of the game and registering only 2.4 (16) to Melbourne's no score.

Melbourne slammed on six unanswered goals to finish the first quarter 20 points ahead and kicked five goals to Richmond's four in the second term to lead by 29 points at halftime.

It was Melbourne's turn to waste chances in the third term with a return of 2.10 compared to Richmond's 3.4.

Trailing by 38 points early in the third quarter, the Tigers were able to kick the first two goals of the final term to edge within 18 points.

But Melbourne steadied with both sides booting three goals in the last quarter.

The Demons improved their record to six wins and a draw from 13 matches while the Tigers suffered their seventh loss.

Melbourne celebrate their return to the top eight for the first time since round seven.

Jack Watts, Jack Trengove and skipper Brad Green kicked three goals each for the Demons while Tyrone Vickery booted three for the Tigers.

Richmond's Jack Riewoldt was held to only one goal by James Frawley and Tigers' coach Damien Hardwick said the Coleman Medallist was playing hurt, but the coach refused to specify the injury.

Demons' coach Dean Bailey praised the hard work of his forwards, including their contribution to Melbourne's 88-71 win in the tackle count.

"We've been speaking about it for most of the year," Bailey said.

"Ricky Petterd had 14 (tackles) for the game. I reckon in the forward-50, he had 10 or 11.

"For him to be able to do that was outstanding. He was one of many in the forward-line who put pressure on as they tried to run the ball out of their back-50."

Brent Moloney notched a game-high 30 touches for the Demons.

Onballer Nathan Foley and half-back Brett Deledio were influential for the Tigers.

Melbourne play Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium on Friday night while Richmond face Carlton at the MCG next Saturday.

Bailey said Friday's game, following the club's third successive six-day turnaround, will be a huge challenge as the Demons chase three consecutive wins for the first time this season.

Hardwick lamented Richmond's basic errors in defence.

"Melbourne's pressure around the ball was very very good. The heat they brought was outstanding," Hardwick said.

"We made far too many fundamental mistakes, especially on the goal-line.

"We had 12 turnovers in our defensive 50 today and they got six goals so that's it in a nutshell."

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