For the Tigers, veteran ahead Tom Lynch was unusually inaccurate in entrance of aim, ending with 2.3, whereas Jayden Quick was the main disposal-getter on the bottom with 20.
Xavier Lindsay and Koltyn Tholstrup rejoice a Melbourne aim.Credit score: AFL Photographs
The second
It was late within the first quarter when uncooked ahead Koltyn Tholstrup marked exterior 50m and instantly confirmed his intentions.
Whereas many Demons followers could not have thought he had the space in him, the younger West Australian used all his talent and energy – and a slight breeze behind him – in addition an especially spectacular aim.
The attention-catcher
Whereas 15 disposals and a aim could not normally be described as an attention grabbing efficiency, Melbourne followers have one thing to sit up for in 2026 once they watch pace demon Caleb Windsor spend extra time within the midfield. Windsor, who spent all of final 12 months on the wing, was utilised inside the competition extra by King and can present much-needed pace via the center of the bottom within the absence of Clayton Oliver.
Richmond’s Hugo Ralphsmith warms up for the apply recreation in ballarat below threatening skies.Credit score: AFL Photographs through Getty Photos
The accidents
Luker Kentfield (concussion). Walked off very groggy after a heavy collision whereas main out of full-forward early within the recreation.
Sam Cumming (shoulder). Got here off clutching his shoulder with two minutes to go within the first quarter.
What the coaches mentioned
Chris Newman (Richmond): “It was slightly bit completely different, clearly we haven’t been on this scenario too many instances earlier than [sent off because of lightning], however the gamers reacted nicely. They knew they needed to keep versatile with what the AFL felt was acceptable right now. Security is paramount. They’ve tried to maintain the power up and after the primary break we truly got here out and performed some fairly good footy, so it’s a testomony to a younger group that they’ll bounce again.”
Nathan Jones (Melbourne): “The profile of the [midfield] group has completely modified by way of its skill to transition from a working energy perspective. We nonetheless worth profitable the ball, however the recreation’s tweaked a bit by way of your skill to have the ability to strain and strip and win it again, as a lot as it’s win the ball and explode and discover on offence. We’ve put a while into that and we’ve uncovered gamers to that and I believe that’s evolving.
“There’s nonetheless alternative for us to proceed to get higher in there but it surely’s thrilling. Among the boys in there have gotten big upside and aren’t tremendous skilled, however we’ve additionally bought some expertise round them.”
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The decision
Tons to love from a Melbourne perspective, however to be trustworthy, it’s arduous to know the way a lot to take out of a recreation that was fairly actually deserted. Richmond had senior stars, together with Dion Prestia, Noah Balta and Nick Vlastuin, lacking and senior management shall be required to steer the ship at Punt Highway in 2026.
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