Matthew Richardson might be nearing the end but Richmond has some talented replacements ready to fill his boots judging by their comfortable 35-point win over Melbourne in the AFL trial match in Cairns.

Forwards Jay Schulz and Cleve Hughes booted four goals between them for last year's wooden-spooners and were just too big and strong early on for a plucky but outclassed Demons defence.

Both sides went in without power forwards Richardson and David Neitz for the battle of the battlers.

Around the ground Richmond's midfield looked too classy, with Richard Tambling, Chris Newman and Kane Johnson setting up many forward thrusts.

The Tigers forward line was on-song from the start with Hughes providing a focal point and Kayne Pettifer crumbing to perfection - he ended up kicking three majors.

At the other end Melbourne squandered early chances, despite Paul Johnson making some useful taps in the ruck.

Melbourne came out hard in the second quarter and were rewarded with goals to Isaac Weetra and Michael Newton who was the best of the Demons forwards.

Richmond steadied with a goal to Cameron Howat and Troy Simmonds' return to the ruck helped the side regain composure.

It was the Demons who snared the last goal of the half, with Ricky Petterd soccering through a loose ball from ten metres out.

The Tigers seized control of the game in the third quarter with five goals, including two from Schulz.

A successful left foot snap by Demon Addam Maric went very much against the trend of play.

For the Demons, some Aaron Davey brilliance on the wing gave their fans something to look forward to when the premiership seasons starts.

Nathan Brown had a quiet night for the Tigers, but kicked a neat roving goal in the last quarter.

Terry Wallace will leave the game knowing he has some handy talent to work with during the season while Melbourne will take heart that they have quality players to come back into the side.

Richmond assistant coach David King was pleased with the team's effort.

"It was pleasing that we played well enough to win," he said.

"Melbourne was understrength and we went in without Richo and that gave others a chance to stand up."

Melbourne suffered a further blow when Newton picked up a neck injury in a contest during the second half.

Newton was taken to hospital, where he was expected to stay overnight, but officials were not yet sure of the seriousness of the injury.

The club will release further details on Newton's condition.

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