Key Melbourne forward Brad Green will be out of action for at least six weeks.

Green underwent surgery for a broken jaw on Sunday night after a clash early in Melbourne's victory over Richmond at the MCG.

He and Tiger defender Alex Rance collided as they swooped on the ball during the first quarter with Green hurt badly and taken off the ground.

The incident happened midway through the opening term and Green had kicked one goal.

Despite his importance to the Demons' attack his absence did not signal a slide in intensity as they went on to lead at every change.

Midfielder Brent Moloney said Melbourne was preparing for a long spell with Green on the sidelines but was confident the side had the list to paper over the gap.

"He had the operation last night and it will probably be around six weeks unfortunately," Moloney said.

"But we've got some guys playing some good footy (in the VFL) at Casey so that will give one of the younger boys an opportunity."

Moloney, finally injury free after three successive years cut short due to problems, said Melbourne had at last been able to put together four solid quarters after showing only glimpses of form in their 0-3 start to the season.

"We'd played good quarters and maybe a good half but to play four quarters and to win the game is good for our supporters and members.

"It's good to see improvement but our supporters want to see us win games.

"The pressure was on them (Richmond) in the media but internally we had a bit of pressure on us as well."

He said hardness at the ball had won the game for the Demons and that element would be refined as they prepared to take on Adelaide at the MCG on Sunday.

"That was a real focus for us during the week and we wanted to come out and win that contested ball and really have a crack at them so the boys really put in," he said.

"We beat them in that area so if you're winning contested balls and you're winning tackles you usually win the game."

Moloney admitted though that some Melbourne players were battling cramps towards the end of the game as Richmond staged a late fightback.

The Tigers edged to within eight points but ran out of time as the Demons managed to cling on.

"We knew Richmond would keep coming at us but it was just good to get over the line.

"It's a hard running game and obviously early in the season you're going to get cramps.

"Most players get cramps late in games," Moloney said.

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