Who would have imagined, when the season kicked off early last month, that Melbourne would emerge from the opening six weeks with wins over both Queensland powerhouses? At the time, Gold Coast and Brisbane were the competition’s early pace-setters, the flavours of the month, and the prospect of the Demons toppling both within the course of a fortnight seemed remote. Yet here they are, banking those scalps alongside home victories over two traditional Victorian rivals and building a quietly impressive resume.

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 7.40pm 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 

RICHMOND 

B N. Vlastuin, B. Miller, N. Balta

HB N. Broad, J. Short, S. Grl]

C H. Ralphsmith, D. Prestia, P. Retschko

HF S. Campbell, S. Cumming, S. Green 

F J. Faull, T. Lynch, M. Lefau 

FOLL S. Ryan, J. Ross, S. Lalor

I/C T. Brown, T. Burton, C. Gray, J. Hopper, K. McAuliffe

EMG O. Hayes-Brown, T. Sonsie, J. Trezise

IN T. Brown T. Burton, S. Cumming, J. Hopper, T. Lynch 

OUT S. Banks (collarbone), L. Fawcett (omitted), M. Rioli (hamstring), T. Sonsie (omitted), T. Taranto (concussion)

MELBOURNE 

B D. Turner, J. Lever, B. Howes

HB X. Taylor, C. Jiath, T. Sparrow

C J. Culley, J. Steele, E. Langdon

HF K. Chandler, B. Mihocek, B. Laurie 

F J. van Rooyen, B. Fritsch, K. Pickett 

FOLL M. Gawn, H. Langford, C. Windsor

I/C K. Tholstrup, M. Jefferson, M. Heath, L. Pickett, H. Sharp

EMG J. Adams, P. Cross, J. Henderson 

IN C. Jiath

OUT H. Petty (concussion protocols)

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

I’ve been told that the Tigers will try out two first gamers in their team selection for tomorrow night and will also bring in Hopper and Lynch as well as one or two others.