The triple-premiership star didn't return to the field after his second-quarter injury, but completed some running drills at halftime.
The 30-year-old has had a wretched run with injuries, subbed off four times in 2022 after being limited to just 18 games during the two previous seasons.
The outlook was far better for Melbourne, who led at every change and proved too strong for Richmond, running out 50-point winners in the 18.13 (121) to 10.11 (71) clash at Casey Fields.
The Demons flew out of the blocks, playing fast, slick football from the outset and piling on five unanswered goals in the first term.
Star ruck duo Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy proved a lethal tag-team, combining for six goals in the opening half while sharing the ruck load and marking strongly around the ground.
Melbourne moved the ball with precision from the back half throughout, showing a willingness to attack the corridor and use overlap handball chains whenever possible.
Liam Baker declared himself a certain starter for round one, racking up 36 disposals just a fortnight after having surgery to remove his appendix, while former GWS Giant Tim Taranto was among the Tigers' best, finishing with 33 disposals and a goal.
Fellow ex-Giant Jacob Hopper had 23 disposals and spent plenty of time in the engine room for the Tigers, winning nine clearances.
Christian Petracca (32 disposals and a goal) and Clayton Oliver (31 disposals, nine clearances) look set for another big year for the Dees, while former Bulldog Lachie Hunter proved handy, linking up well, nailing a great goal from a tight angle late in the final quarter and finishing with 25 touches.
Richmond will meet Carlton in the AFL's season-opener at the MCG on March 16, while Melbourne will play the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on March 18.
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