Analysis: The Dees let two of their best go, and they’ve improved
Melbourne list boss Tim Lamb found himself in an unfamiliar position at the end of last year.
Heralded as a key architect in the Demons’ drought-busting 2021 premiership, the former long-serving Victoria Police officer was suddenly under pressure – at least externally – for how he handled the high-profile exits of champion midfielders Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver.
It followed another disastrous season for Melbourne that cost coach Simon Goodwin his job.
Both Petracca and Oliver showed interest in playing elsewhere 12 months before the Demons eventually traded the contracted pair in wildly contrasting deals to Gold Coast and GWS in October.
The Anzac connection for Richmond’s skipper tonight
Jack Ross will captain the injury ravaged Tigers tonight, and in one way it’s particularly fitting that he gets the chance in the Anzac round.
The 25-year-old, in his 100th match, will become the 114th captain (including stand-in skippers) in Tigers history. His great-grandfather, William Whitley Carter, was a Digger at Gallipoli in World War I in 1915.
For more on the incredible connection, read the full story on the Tigers’ website
Malthouse called in to present jumpers to Tiger cubs
Mick Malthouse has returned to Richmond to present the jumpers to debutantes Sam Cumming and Tom Burton tonight.
Richmond media described the two players below:
Cumming earned his call-up following an impressive pre-season and comeback from his pre-season shoulder injury.
The 2025 Pick No.7 amassed a stellar 30 disposals, five inside-50s, five marks and a goal against the Australian U18 Academy side in the VFL practice match last weekend, standing tall and gaining confidence ahead of his AFL debut.
Meantime, Burton was a train-on player over the pre-season, earning his list spot just last month, after impressing coaches and teammates alike with his willingness, fight and speed.
The ‘absolute freaks’ driving Demons’ dramatic revival
Daniel Turner can’t help but marvel at the young Melbourne teammates who have given the Demons a new spring in their step.
Second-year midfielder Harvey Langford last Sunday put reigning premiers Brisbane to the sword with 27 disposals and three goals, while fellow 20-year-old Latrelle Pickett again showcased his class.
Caleb Windsor and Koltyn Tholstrup keep developing, while Xavier Taylor debuted in the thrilling two-point win over the Lions.
All five were early draft picks between 2023 and 2025.
Interactive: How your side’s season is going
Good evening
G’day everyone and welcome to our AFL Friday live blog.
I’m Roy Ward and I’ll be tapping the keys for tonight’s coverage of Richmond vs Melbourne from the MCG in their annual Anzac Eve clash.
It should be a super evening and an intriguing battle between two young sides trying to re-emerge as premiership contenders.
First bounce is set for 7.40pm AEST, please enjoy the coverage to come.
Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: www.smh.com.au
