While Melbourne is open to adding a Darwin match to its Alice Springs outing (under the right circumstances).

No thankyou.

Players Currently in Rehab based on Training Reports:

4. Harvey Langford (concussion protocols)

7. Jack Viney (Foot/Ankle?)

10. Daniel Turner (hamstring awareness)

11. Max Gawn (hamstring awareness)

17. Jake Bowey (Lisfranc injury)

18. Jake Melksham 

20. Thomas Matthews (PCL recovery)

23. Shane McAdam (torn Achilles recovery)

43 Jack Henderson (groin?)

45. Andy Moniz-Wakefield (ACL recovery)

Pick 27 after the Dees put a bid on Rhylee West, son of Bulldogs Legend Scott West, and the Bulldogs matched the bid.

https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl/how-tom-sparrow-rose-from-unwanted-to-bluechip-afl-draft-prospect/news-story/1c7898da027c13ec771a9c3857a0553b

That is the famous quote from US high school basketball coach Tim Notke that is inspiring South Adelaide draft bolter Tom Sparrow’s insatiable appetite to prove his doubters wrong.

Shattered at missing out on State under-16 selection two years ago and by again being overlooked for last year’s under-17 SANFL futures game, the powerful midfielder is starting to reap the rewards for his manic work ethic by surging up AFL draft boards.

From the small Adelaide Hills town of Scott Creek, Sparrow’s standout second half of the season at school and SANFL under-18 level has seen him draw comparisons to explosive Brownlow Medallist Patrick Dangerfield and emerge as a first-round draft smoky.

“I was pretty devastated at missing that under-16 team because making that side was one of my main goals for the year,’’ Sparrow told The Advertiser.

“I was cut from it late and ended up being an emergency but I didn’t play, which was really challenging.

“It really motivated me to work even harder to prove to everyone that I am good and dedicated enough to keep pursuing my dream of playing footy at a high level.

“In a funny sort of way it has probably helped me moving forward, rather than hinder me.

“It made me try to prove a point that I wasn’t just going to go away or shy away from a challenge.

“I used my favourite quote, ‘hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard’, as inspiration to keep working hard.

“I did a lot of extras and I think the only official training sessions I have missed since were when I was on a school camp to Cambodia last year.’’

While SA’s top 2018 draft prospects Jack Lukosius, Izak Rankine and Connor Rozee starred in the under-16 championships two years ago to lead the Croweaters to the national crown, Sparrow was at home thinking what might have been.

He was pleased his home State “won the chockies’’ but immediately set his sights on training even harder and turning his strengths — speed and power — into assets that would help him stand out from the pack.

Now he is doing just that.

“He’s become an animal, an absolute ripper,’’ said SA under-18 coach Tony Bamford, who had no hesitation in selecting Sparrow, 182cm and 81kg, in his AFL under-18 championship-winning side this year.

“Tom’s got that rare combination that every club wants — speed, power and endurance.

“He’s the type of player who wins the ball on the inside but is so powerful he can get on the outside and really hurt the opposition there.

“He is very driven, motivated, diligent and professional. He’ll not only make it as a long-term AFL player but he’ll stand out in his first month of training because of his workrate and toughness.’’

Bamford said he remembers Sparrow, who this year captained Prince Alfred College’s First XVIII team, being “really, really flat’’ when he missed State under-16 selection in the team coached by dual North Adelaide premiership player and former Crow Darel Hart.

“I recall having a conversation with him and his parents and saying the only thing you can do from here is to prove the selectors wrong when you are 18,’’ Bamford said.

“He’s gone whack and done that.’’

While some recruiting scouts have compared Sparrow’s qualities to those of former Crow and current Cat Dangerfield, Bamford says he reminds him of Collingwood’s Levi Greenwood at the same age.

“I coached Levi at Port Adelaide (Magpies) and the similarities between the two are striking,’’ Bamford said.

“They are both tough, strong and combative, they look for body contact and are explosive speed and endurance athletes.

“But as well as Levi has done, Tom will be better.’’

Sparrow has heard the comparisons but says he is modelling his style on star Sydney midfielder Luke Parker.

“He's an inside mid who loves winning contested ball but can go forward and kick goals, which is what I like doing,’’ he said.

Sparrow, who was denied a SANFL league debut with the Panthers this year because of school commitments, has been interviewed by 14 AFL clubs.

And his phone has run hot with player managers wanting to sign him.

“To come from where I have, missing the under-16s and 17s (State teams), and to get drafted would mean a lot to me,’’ said Sparrow, who is an A-grade student eyeing an ATAR score of 90.

“I want to make all my friends and family proud and prove to them that I am good enough.

“I know they are already proud of me but to go one step further would be the cherry on top.’’

Not much to add. I’m sure someone can link the obligatory highlights clip?

Currently seems like it’d be a reach for him at pick 11, but we’ve seen the same accusation levelled at JT/TL for selecting Pickett at 12 and that was a pure win for us.

The Casey Demons suffered a big setback on Sunday morning when they lost to the Brisbane Lions at home. Casey Fields used to be a fortress with its tricky winds that visiting teams often struggled to work out. Against the Lions, the conditions were mild and the breeze was hardly more than a zephyr. At least, with the respective AFL teams facing off on Friday night, they won’t be forced to hold back a player or two or take off someone at half time to send them off on a trip of more than 50km down the Monash Freeway to the MCG.

Best-and-fairest leader: Max Gawn

Most improved player: Harry Sharp

All-Australian contenders: Max Gawn, Kozzy Pickett, Jack Steele

Lowest point: Losing to Essendon in Gather Round

Biggest surprise: The impact of their recruits. Both Jack Steele and Brody Mihocek are undoubtedly in early conversations for recruit of the year. The pair's output at their previous clubs was nothing to be sneezed at - Steele a two-time club champion and dual All-Australian, Mihocek a five-time leading goalkicker and premiership player - but their impact on this rebuilding group has been profound and is a key part of the Demons' fast start.

Biggest watch: Inconsistency. It's a natural by-product of a new coach and new gameplan so the Demons won't be too concerned at this stage, but their fluctuations in form - both in-game and from week to week - are there. There was the inexplicable loss to a then-struggling Bombers that followed a big win over Gold Coast, while against Fremantle, they trailed 49-7 at quarter-time before flicking the switch to keep the final margin at 48 points. Melbourne didn't kick its first goal against Carlton until the 26-minute mark of the second quarter, fell 43 points behind at one stage, before going on to win by 23 points. Not panic stations, but one to keep an eye on.

Q1 rating: 8 out of 10. The Demons are 4-2 and have comfortably exceeded expectations to this stage, with the Gather Round loss to Essendon the only real blip. Steven King's new fun and dangerous Demons are playing with freedom and flair and it's serving them well, highlighted by statement wins over Brisbane and Gold Coast. The growth of several previously fringe players has also been encouraging; Harry Sharp has gone from a super-sub (he was subbed on or off in 11 of his 18 games last year) to a best-23 lock, ex-forward Koltyn Tholstrup has found a new defensive edge and has impressed across half-back and in shutdown roles, while Tom Sparrow has rediscovered his premiership-year form. Latrelle Pickett has been a find, adding plenty of spark and flair to the front half, while the likes of Jai Culley, Kade Chandler, Caleb Windsor and Harvey Langford are all thriving in King's run-and-gun system that is bringing out the best in this emerging group. - Alison O'Connor

Another addition to our 2025 hyphen brigade, mature age prospect Latrelle Sumner-Pickett was reportedly a potential target for clubs in the mid-season draft and will have done his chances of getting picked up no harm with this exciting recent senior SANFL debut performance. Kicking 4 goals and helping to set up a number of other scoring moves for Glenelg, LSP was perhaps at his most impressive when he was able to run with ball in hand, dodging and weaving past opponents.

Langdon - important running game

Fritsch - some inspiring moments

Turner - aggressive and inspiring

Chandler - wonderful second half

Windsor - missed crucial tackles

Mihocek - vital bullocking work

Sharp - impressive first half

Lever - the defensive general

Tholstrup - come of age

Heath - limited game time

Petty - crucial brain fades

Taylor - didn’t seem fazed

Culley - more rounded performance

Langford - seemed more assured

Steele - huge man crush

vanRooyen - last quarter atonement

Jefferson - an almost game

K Pickett - excellent team focus

L Pickett - some genius moments

Howes - silent but deadly

Laurie - sadly without influence

Sparrow - wonderful tagging game

That said, Melbourne’s 2026 campaign has already delivered a sharp reality check. The euphoria of the stirring win over the Suns quickly gave way to a sobering collapse just six days later against Essendon at Adelaide Oval. Whether it was overconfidence, lethargy, or a mix of both, the Demons were a shadow of the side that had looked so assured about its new style of running dangerously and with fun in the week prior. It was the kind of performance that can derail momentum, but also the kind that can sharpen focus.

The message out of that defeat has been clear: no assumptions, no shortcuts. Every opponent demands respect, regardless of ladder position or recent form. Coaches and players alike have acknowledged the need to adapt, to stay grounded, and to treat each contest as its own challenge.

That mindset will be tested again on Anzac Eve against a struggling Richmond outfit anchored to the bottom of the ladder and battered by injury. On paper, it shapes as a one-sided affair, but recent history offers Melbourne a timely warning against complacency. The stakes are heightened in light of the significance of an occasion resonates deeply with the club’s heritage and its longstanding ties to wartime service and sacrifice - its club champion trophy is named after a man who gave his life for his country in wartime

In response to the Essendon loss, coach Steven King was proactive. He reshuffled the magnets on his clipboard, seeking both tactical flexibility and renewed energy. Ed Langdon’s move to half-back, Bayley Fritsch’s shift onto a wing, and the management of young Xavier Lindsay pointed to a willingness to be flexible and to experiment. The inclusion of Max Heath added height and presence, particularly important in the absence of Darcy Fort.

With just a five-day turnaround from Sunday afternoon to Friday night, selection looms as a crucial lever. Fresh legs and sustained pressure will be essential if Melbourne is to avoid another lapse and maintain its intensity across four quarters.

Richmond, despite its struggles, still boasts a core of experienced players complemented by emerging talent, and must not be dismissed lightly. In a competition as even as this one, every game carries weight - especially for a side with finals ambitions.

Melbourne has already learned that lesson the hard way. The question now is whether it can apply it.

Prediction: Melbourne by 33 points

THE GAME

Richmond vs Melbourne on Saturday 24 April 2026 at 7.30pm at the MCG

HEAD TO HEAD

Overall Richmond 107 wins Melbourne h 81 wins Drawn 2

At the MCG Richmond 72 wins Melbourne 69 wins Drawn 1 

Past five meetings Richmond 0 wins Melbourne 5 wins

The Coaches Yze 0 wins King 0 wins 

THE LAST TIME THEY MET

Melbourne 12.11.83 defeated Richmond 9.9.63 at the MCG, Round 7, 2025

After an even first half, the Demons drew away in the third term and held a 35-point lead at three quarter time. They squandered the opportunity for a boost in percentage by resting the skipper for much of the final term and snuck in by 20-points.

THE TEAMS (to be loaded when available) 

RICHMOND 

MELBOURNE

Injury List: Round 7

Patrick Cross — thumb / Available 

Changkuoth Jiath — calf / Test

Jake Bowey — foot / Test

Jake Melksham — ankle / 2-3 weeks

Trent Rivers — knee / 2-3 weeks 

Christian Salem — foot / 2-3 weeks

Tom Campbell — neck / TBC

Shane McAdam — Achilles / TBC

Jack Viney — Achilles / TBC

Melbourne and Carlton in talks for AFL marquee mental health game next season

Melbourne are leading the charge on staging a marquee mental health game next season, after initial discussions with Carlton earlier this year and a former premiership coach getting involved.

Melbourne has held preliminary discussions with Carlton about staging a marquee game next season in support of mental health.

Demons chief executive Paul Guerra confirmed the club is keen to play a game in 2027 which could shine a light on what he calls a societal ‘pandemic’ requiring more support and greater funding.

In a week in which Carlton has had to deal with the hospitalisation of Elijah Hollands after a mental health episode during last Thursday’s clash with Collingwood, leading AFL figures including Jack Ginnivan and Bailey Smith have called for a dedicated round for mental health.

The Blues have come under significant scrutiny about the handling of Hollands, with the AFL awaiting findings from the club’s investigation into why he was allowed to take the field.

Guerra confirmed initial discussions with the Blues about a marquee game had taken place before the incident with Hollands.

He said the AFL community needed to do more to support people with mental health challenges.

Four-time premiership coach Kevin Sheedy approached Guerra earlier this year to ask the Demons to partner with another Melbourne-based AFL rival in a match designed to raise funds and support mental health awareness.

Sheedy, an ambassador for The Male Hug (a not-for-profit organisation supporting men’s mental health), flagged Carlton or Essendon as potential partners for the Demons in the game.

“It is an important cause,” Guerra told the Herald Sun on Tuesday.

“For this (idea) to go further, we need to talk about it with another club, so there is still a bit to go (before it happens).

“It has to be another big Melbourne club. We don’t have any hallmark games with Carlton or Essendon, one of those two clubs (could play).

“I know that Carlton is keen to find a marquee game as well, but I haven’t spoken to Essendon yet.”

Guerra said Sheedy pitched the idea to him earlier this year, but given the sensitivities at Carlton across the past week, those discussions would be parked to a later date.

“We all love Sheeds and he has just been mighty for the game,” Guerra said.

“When he comes to talk to you, you listen.

“He is right about the impact of people struggling with mental health. The question is can we build a game around that, and if we can raise awareness, then we would have a look at it.

“If we can help, and if we can build a crowd around that cause, it is something, as a club, that we would absolutely look at.

“They are preliminary conversations .. As I have said to Sheeds, before we jump into doing it, let’s work this through so that it lasts.

“The impact that AFL football has on society now … people are looking for somewhere to belong and AFL has been that spot. We have to be very conscious of that as a club. Yes, we are out there to win, but we are also out there to make people have somewhere to go.

“For it to go further we need to talk about it (more) with the other club, we need to talk about it to the AFL, so there is a bit to go.

“But the cause is important.”

Sheedy has called Australia’s mental health crisis “the war within” and insists it is at a stage where the country - and the game - need to do more to assist not only those playing AFL football but the millions watching it around the country.

Ginnivan said on Channel 9: “The Elijah stuff, he was in my draft (year), I was mates with him in the under 17s and 18s. I am just sending my love to him and his family.”

“It is obviously a difficult time with all the stuff going on, first and foremost we want to put players and their mental health at the front of mind.

“I know Baz (Smith) touched on it, but a mental health round would be so epic and I know players that I have spoken to are big advocates for that, so that would be nice.”

Anyone know anything about him?

You need to go back to the late 90s.

You get to pick your assistant coaches

What team are you building around you?

Like has he actually really watched the guy play more than once? To say it once was maybe a first impression or off the cuff comment, but he was so persistent, that I really feel as if he had formed a strong oppinion and holds this against Harvey. Personally, while I don't think Langford has really fully hit his straps this season and/or has progressed massively in his 2nd year as we might have ideally have loved, I think the kid is doing OK and his kicking is one of the last things I'd hold against him.

On the flip side, both Gerard and Brad Johnson, seemed to be onto the fact that Kade Chandler is fast becoming one of the quality players in the competition for what he does and I do wholeheartedly agree with that assessment.

Anyways, back to the point, I know Gerard was a player that Mark Jackson couldn't stand and I've got to say, I think I understand why. Smug and arrogant. At least his brother blead red and blue.

We all know several of the stories going round the traps, but the footy media spends unbelievable time on a pretty minor story.

OF COURSE most of the more serious stories that are ignored by the Footy media, generally involve the bigger and heavily protected AFL clubs.

It reminds me of the old saying, “ don’t bite the hand that feeds you “.

15) MAC ANDREW

Why you can't look away: Unpredictability, versatility, athleticism 

Watchability: 8 out of 10

Big Mac is big entertainment – he can do just about anything on the field, from taking hangers, kicking a match-winning goal after the siren to even playing in the ruck. But there's also the flick of the switch with him where he's in the middle of a melee or locked in an engrossing battle with an opposition key forward – ask Riley Thilthorpe – where the one-on-one becomes as watchable as the actual game.

14) SHAI BOLTON

Why you can't look away: Improvisation, split-second instincts

Watchability: 8.1

There are times where Bolton plays like he's making it up on the spot – maybe he is, maybe he isn't - but either way it's worth tuning in for. Freo's star import isn't bound by team rules and set ups and that's what makes him a wildcard in their mix, with Bolton's elasticity, twisting, turning, high marks and long kicking making him difficult to stop when he's on.

13) JEREMY CAMERON

Why you can't look away: Gazelle-like running, eye-catcher, uncanny goals

Watchability: 8.2

Cameron is capable of the impossible – he always has been. A totally unique key forward who has legs up to his arm pits, a left-foot kick that can make a ball spin in any which way, bravery that can go under the radar and then a gliding aspect to his game that makes it all come together quite effortlessly. You don't always know what's coming next with Cameron, so everything is a highlight in waiting. A perfect 10 goals last week was evidence of that.

12) HARLEY REID

Why you can't look away: Fend-offs, fearless intent, explosive power

Watchability: 8.4

The Watchability Meter goes up a few notches in West Coast games – in fact, Reid and new No.1 pick Willem Duursma are making the Eagles watchable again. With Reid, it's the physicality element. He is always in amongst the rough and tumble of games but it is equally why you watch his games; the burst from stoppages, the shrugging off opponents, the taking of risks. It comes with some free kicks and frayed moments, but that's all part of the package. Compelling viewing.

11) MAX GAWN

Why you can't look away: 'Ruck craft big boy', aerial dominance, greatness in action

Watchability: 8.5

The appeal in watching Gawn is just seeing one of the best to ever do it do it. He influences games like few other rucks, he controls the play, he marks everything his way and his actual ruck craft is the best in the competition. It's max impact, max effort.

10) JOSH RACHELE

Why you can't look away: World game celebrations, swagger, classy finishes

Watchability rating: 8.6

It's no wonder Rachele played elite level soccer as a kid – there's plenty of fun and theatrics to the emerging Adelaide star's game. Nobody loves a goal more but his evolution this year has seen him take his talents into the midfield, where his kicking and speed has added to the Crows' depth in the middle of the ground. He's a crowd interaction guy, plays with confidence and flair is and a team morale booster. Growing more watchable by the week, too.

9) ZAK BUTTERS

Why you can't look away: Win-at-all costs competitiveness, fierce toughness, abstract brilliance

Watchability rating: 8.7

There is no player in the competition tougher or more courageous than Butters. The Port Adelaide superstar plays every game as though his career depends on it and if you want to see what that approach manifests into on the field, just watch any Butters game. Put that together with brilliant skill, the tongue-out no-mouthguard-wearing No.9 is a top-two player in the AFL. Throw in a few scraps along the way and Butters' emotional involvement in every game is high. Must watch.

8) JACK GINNIVAN

Why you can't look away: Uncanny goal sense, see-through vision, celebrations

Watchability rating: 8.8

The Pie-turned-Hawk has had more headlines in his short career than just about anyone. Never too far from controversy, Ginnivan has turned his game from opportunistic goal sneak to forward half creator. He is a lightning rod of rival fan vitriol, but has become a key player for Hawthorn. He catches eyeballs in ways others don't – the bleached blond hair and pre-prepared celebrations help too.

7) MARCUS BONTEMPELLI

Why you can't look away: Power and poise, control taker, footy purity

Watchability rating: 9

'The Bont' ranks high for watchability due to consistent performance and pulling his side over the line time and time again. The tackle shrugging, the gliding through traffic, the delivery on that left boot and the commanding force in attack. When you become a 'prototype', you are instantly a player to watch because you become a player others want to be.

6) NICK DAICOS

Why you can't look away: Complete game control, time distortion, surgical ball use

Watchability rating: 9.1

You don't have a choice but to watch Daicos because he is in the middle of every game Collingwood plays. His team plan around him, his opponents plan to stop him. The Collingwood champion's phenomenal running powers him from contest to contest and he is the architect of games – you watch him because he controls them as the AFL's No.1 player. Hits impossible kicks, has had multiple goal of the year contenders and shakes off tags.

5) MURPHY REID

Why you can't look away: Football's best hands, creativity, elite IQ

Watchability rating: 9.2

When the game is racing at speed, Reid plays on his own tempo. Freo's rising star turns opponents inside out, rarely wastes a possession and finds absolute calm in congestion. Reid might already be the best handballer in the game and his kicking tells teammates where to go – not the other way around. You watch him because you know he knows what he's about to do next when others don't. And the best bit? There's another 15 years of watching him do his thing.

4) NASIAH WANGANEEN-MILERA

Why you can't look away: Effortless ball use, brilliant vision, messiah-ness

Watchability rating: 9.3

It's Wanganeen-Milera's kicking that elevates his game. He spots targets that others miss and then finds them with bullet passes that others wouldn't even try. His move up the field into more dangerous goalkicking positions adds to his impact, and his game-winning effort against Melbourne last year will go down in watchability folklore. You're not watching him because he's paid $2 million a season – he's paid $2 million a season because you're watching him.

3) ISAAC HEENEY

Why you can't look away: Aerial elegance, hang time, crazy courage

Watchability rating: 9.5

Mr. Smooth. Heeney makes the spectacular feel routine – certainly early this year the Sydney superstar has been at the top of his game. Whether it's a midfield clearance, a high grab, a brilliant goal or a piece of bravery in the air or the contest, Heeney is undoubtedly one of the game's best – and most watchable – guns. As courageous as they come as well.

2) NICK WATSON

Why you can't look away: Ground-ball wizardry, high footy instincts, crowd energy

Watchability rating: 9.7

Whenever Watson gets near the ball, you hear the crowd's hum of 'Wizard!' This year, his third AFL season, Watson has taken his game up another few notches. His performance on Easter Monday against Geelong was superb and encapsulated his watchableness – a goal from the boundary line, brilliant speed, a lover of the big stage. Another five goals on the weekend against Port Adelaide stole the show. The crowd, often adorning wizard hats for the Hawks' No.5, often feels it before it happens.

1) KYSAIAH PICKETT

Why you can't look away: Chaos at ground level, scoreboard damage, highlight reel perfection

Watchability rating: 10

Pickett is the game's Most Watchable Player right now. In career-best form, the Melbourne dynamo lives in the blur between control and madness. He doesn't need a huge amount of touches to change games but is ultra clean, ultra quick and ultra composed and tilts games in moments. You watch Kozzy because anything is possible – from a high mark, a goal, or a burst clearance.