The Demons hit the road for their last practice hit out before the start of the 2026 AFL Premiership season when they take on the Tigers at Mars Stadium in Ballarat.

According to Chaplin towards the end of this interview Max should be back to take on the Tigers as well as Petty. CJ & Salem are expected to play the full game.

Does anybody know Melksham's injury? No one has said anything.

I'm going to Ballarat with a Richmond supporter should be good.

I think another 80 pts touch up is on the cards and the recipient will be ooze's chargers.

Edited yesterday at 14:301 day by YesitwasaWin4theAges

I'll try and pick the team for next week

B: Lever, McDonald, Salem

HB: Jiath, Turner, Tholstrup

C: Langford, Steele, Lindsay

HF: Chandler, van Rooyen, L.Pickett

F: Fritsch, Kentfield, Jefferson

FOLL: Gawn, Rivers, K.Pickett

IC: Langdon, Sparrow, Windsor, Howes, Heath, Petty, Sharp, Melksham

EMERG: Taylor, Adams, Laurie

7 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

Does anybody know Melksham's injury? No one has said anything.

Melksham has been back in full training for several weeks and took part in last week’s intraclub match. He was also on the track on Wednesday, so unless there’s been a new setback or recurrence, he was probably just managed this week. I’d expect him to line up against the Tigers.

From the 23 that started the North game:

Out: Heath, Mihocek (inj), Kolt

In: Gawn, Kentfield, Salem

FB: Lever T Mc CJ

HB: Salem Disco Lindsay

C: Langdon Steele Howes

HF: Chandler JVR Fritsch

FF: Jeffo Kentfield L. Pickett

Foll: Gawn Sparrow K. Pickett

Int: Langford, Rivers, Windsor, Laurie, Sharp

Subs: Heath, Kolt, Petty, Melk, X Taylor

Selection questions before round 1:

• Can we play 4 key forwards, 2 rucks or Melk or is the extra runner too vital for the game plan?

• Can Petty dislodge Lever or T Mc?

• Can Kolt or X Taylor dislodge a more proven back flanker

• Will Culley be right to go and how does that rejig the midfield mix

Does anybody know if you need to purchase a ticket for this match?

Hoping Kentfield plays a full game. I’m on board with him playing round 1 than Jeffo. Jefferson seemed scared of his own shadow yesterday.

Would love Heath to get a good crack at the ruck again also. Even if it means Gawn can float back for any high kicks into our backline.

Edited 12 hours ago12 hr by Demongirl35

Wow, I have 30 players still in the mix for Rd 1 after our game yesterday.

From the squad of 26 that played v North, add Culley, Melky and Petty if fit and Gawn.

Ironically our two worst performers yesterday were our two best the week before. While Windsor is still a cert for Rd 1, Jeffo probably played himself out of the side, especially with Luka and Moose so good.

And while Luka showed he is highly capable in the ruck, can we go with him against the Saints who have jumping jack TDK and Marshall. Would Moose be better as back-up given his extra height and ruck prowess and the fact that it's his old side? A good showing against the Tiges by any of those three will tip the balance their way I reckon.

But it's great situation to be in and so nice that DLers are all up and about now.

14 hours ago, WERRIDEE said:

I'm going to Ballarat with a Richmond supporter should be good.

Put a peg on your nose