Bring-Back-Powell

That's a shame. Sounds like he isn't the answer to fill in for BBB/Weid.

Be disappointing if that's the case, particularly if some MFC members miss out, but at 27K it should be ok. From a footy perspective, I don't think we play Marvel that much worse than the G to be honest. I can't see it happening though. Would be a big call to move a home teams game elsewhere.

Is Lockhart injured or did he play in the magoos? I would like to see him in the side next week. One of our major weaknesses last year was the opposition's small forward having a major influence on the game, particularly in losses. Last year Walters kicked 3 in a 3 goal win over us, and Wallis kicked 4 in a 4 goal win against us. Today Castagna dominated the second quarter. Not sure if the trio of Jetta, Rivers and Hunt are the answer? Hopefully they are.

Pretty positive performance overall. Oliver was clear BOG and Gawn had some dominant moments. Petracca faded in and out of the game but did some nice things. Lever was outstanding and took a bunch of marks today. We'll just have to live with his 1 or 2 errors a game. May had a great duel with Lynch and kept him to either 0 or 1 goal. T Mac had a very lively first quarter and took some contested marks high up the ground. Went quiet after quarter time but did a nail a nice set shot in the last qtr. Fritsch kicked 3, 2 from close range. He's a chance to nail 40 this year if he plays all games. He'd be a hard match up to keep quiet all day. Chandler was my surprise of the day and he and Spargo provided excellent forward pressure which is one of the keys to success in this league. Will both play round 1 if Kozzie isn't ready. We dominated the clearances in the midfield late in the game as Richmond played their kids in the centre. Won't have that luxury in the real stuff. Other than that, most players today showed some positive signs in a pleasing first hit out. Hopefully we can put in a solid performance next week against the Dogs and then head into round 1 in good shape.

Chandler back on and just kicked a corker of a goal near the boundary. He’s been the big story of the day IMO. 74-61 but Richmond lining up for a goal.

Melb 10.8.68 Richmond 9.7.61 3 qtr time.

Disappointing about Chandler's injury. He was looking lively today. We're exactly spoilt for small forward options like Richmond are.

Excellent team goal results in Chandler’s second. 68-48 lead

Brilliant goal by Oliver. 60 mtr goal with the wind.

Could play round 1 based on today. Somewhere we’ve hit the front with a Fritta set shot.

Gawn starring today. Ripper mark and set shot for his second. Has taken plenty of goal saving marks too.

I think we’ve seen the best of Harmes as a player. Just a player these days with no point of difference.

41-34 down at half time

Max just took a grab in the goal square for a set shot. Will confirm later if he coverts.

Chandler set shot goal from 40 courtesy of a Salem pass.

Amen. Jetta any issues on his hit on Tom Lynch? Lynch sooked it up big time. And Jetta played well that quarter.

Richmond have gone with a strong line up today.

Jetta, Spargo and eventually Fritsch with a nice team goal. 20-15 up.

Jordon lovely goal on the run. Down 15-14 - 22 mins 1st qtr

Any idea why Riewoldt’s taken 2 marks on Jetta? T Macs taken 3 contested marks. Jones still knows how to kick a snag for our first.

Very nervous how our forward line will function in the early weeks and specifically the lack of firepower. Today will get our first glimpse of it.

Anyone watching behind the fence with the snakes and the Richmond supporters?

Not at all. Pre season games haven’t been televised on FTA for a number of years.

I got an email from the AFL membership department a couple of weeks ago: Monday 1 March online sales - 12pm for members. 3pm for the public. I assume more details will come to light when Andrews winds back the restrictions tomorrow.

Agreed. They’ve traded for the now with regards to their last 2 off seasons and so far so good for them. They’ve got a clear strategy of trading for players that will have an immediate impact on them and it paid dividends for them last year.