Troubled midfielder Clayton Oliver has boosted his chances of featuring in Melbourne's AFL season opener after starring in the club's match simulation hit-out.
Richmond and Melbourne faced off across seven periods at Casey Fields on Sunday, with the first four terms being the main clash.
The Tigers came up trumps in the main match by 23 points, but the focus quickly shifted to the remaining three periods when Oliver was wheeled out among a team of fringe AFL players and VFL top-ups.
Oliver's future has been a huge talking point over the past nine months following repeated questions over his lack of professionalism, and allegations of poor off-field behaviour.
The 26-year-old, who only returned to the club three weeks ago following a stint of personal leave, was a class above the rest from the opening bounce of the fifth period on Sunday, firing off the first handball and finding the ball with ease.
Oliver provided an early highlight when he snapped truly off his left boot from the pocket.
But he sent a huge scare through the Demons' camp in the sixth period when he went crashing to the turf on his back and side after being accidentally tunnelled.
Oliver was clearly in pain as medical staff attended to him on the field, but he was able to walk off unassisted, before returning to the ground four minutes later.
The star midfielder continued to be a threat as the Demons almost snatched victory, with the Tigers enduring some nervy moments before holding on for a 21.21 (147) to 22.13 (145) win across the seven periods.
Melbourne's season begins against Sydney on March 7, meaning Oliver will have one last chance to push his name for selection in the February 28 practice match against Carlton at Ikon Park.
Demons backline coach Troy Chaplin said Oliver would be in line to play in round one "if all goes well".
"He has missed a little bit, more probably our education and our game style stuff," Chaplin said.
"But he's been working closely with (assistant coach) Andrew McQualter on that.
"We'll bring him up to speed as quickly as possible, but there's some other things he's got to be able to tick off that the club will work really closely with him on."
Chaplin was pleased with Oliver's first-up performance.
"It doesn't look like he's missed a beat. He's trained extremely hard when he's been away from the group," Chaplin said.
"He's put himself in a condition to still be able to perform once the season starts.
"He took a pretty big hit there at one stage, but you could see the class that he brings.
"We're excited to have him back in the program now, and hopefully he plays some good footy for us for the rest of the season."
Melbourne kicked the first five goals of Sunday's main match, before Richmond answered with 10 consecutive majors on the way to a 18.9 (117) to 14.10 (94) win by the end of the fourth period.
There were plenty of positive signs for Richmond under new coach Adem Yze.
Noah Balta, a key defender who is set to play in attack this season, finished with three goals, while Shai Bolton kicked four.
Tigers ruck recruit Sam Naismith performed strongly against Max Gawn in the absence of Toby Nankervis.
For Melbourne, Kysaiah Pickett was lively during his stints in the midfield, and Christian Petracca kicked two goals in the opening period.
