Caretaker Melbourne coach Todd Viney has savaged his struggling AFL team's inconsistent effort after their pulsating seven-point loss to Richmond.

Melbourne suffered their fifth-straight loss - and their third since Viney took over - as Richmond rallied in the last term on Sunday at the MCG to win a tight match 17.15 (117) to 17.8 (110).

The Demons were superb in the third term, rallying from 26 points down at half time to lead by eight points at the final change.

There were three lead changes in the final term before a four-goal burst from the improving Tigers sealed the win.

It was Melbourne's closest result in this losing streak, but Viney tore into his club for not demanding more from themselves.

"From an effort point of view I'm really happy with the third quarter, but having said that, that's where we're at as a club - that we can be happy with one quarter of football," he said.

"It's nowhere near good enough, we've got to harden up mentally and physically so we can compete for whole games, whether it's against the best teams or the teams that are at the same level as us.

"When we can start to do that, we'll get more consistency in our performances, but I was pretty disappointed."

Viney was damning in his assessment of the first half, saying Richmond wanted the ball more.

He noted that their disposal efficiency rose to 75 per cent in the third term when their effort improved, but dropped back to 52-53 per cent in the final term.

"At half time (the message) was really, truly, just we weren't competing at the required level, we weren't hard enough at the contested ball," he said.

"We thought the third quarter was going to be enough and Richmond were going to lay down and die - but they didn't."

Melbourne's Colin Sylvia was best afield with five goals, but he was reported for rough conduct.

Aaron Davey's poor form continued, with the Demons half-forward only having one touch to half time in his 150th game.

He is also likely to be booked after he elbowed Mitch Morton to the head approaching half time.

Melbourne captain Brad Green, who was injured last week, was the surprising choice as substitute for this match.

He came on in the third term and kicked a crucial goal.

The Tigers are determined to finish the season strongly and coach Damien Hardwick praised them for their tenacity.

"For us to be headed at three-quarter time ... Melbourne came out and played an outstanding third quarter, we just couldn't quite get on the front foot again," Hardwick said.

"I think it's a great testament to our playing group."

Nathan Foley and Dustin Martin starred for the Richmond, while Hardwick praised Bachar Houli for his tight game on Davey in the first half.

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