Melbourne will take on Richmond on Saturday night at the MCG in the annual Anzac Day eve clash, in what is shaping up as quite possibly the match of the year so far.
They are two sides in the top four. Melbourne are unbeaten in five games and are sitting in second place. They take on the reigning back-to-back premiers in Richmond, who sit in fifth place with a 3-2 record.
After winning their opening two games, Richmond were stunned by Sydney at the MCG by 45 points, before Robbie Gray denied them victory in Adelaide with a match-winning set shot to get Port home by two points. But they rediscovered their premiership-winning form last week in a thrashing of St Kilda by 86 points.
(Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)
This has been the Demons’ best start to a season since 1994, winning their opening five games, with wins coming against Fremantle, St Kilda, the GWS Giants in Sydney, Geelong and Hawthorn.
But this week against Richmond is Melbourne’s biggest test yet and if they can beat this side, they can really establish themselves as one of the premiership favourites.
It is a special night for two players: Melbourne’s Nathan Jones will play game 300, and the star player of the AFL in this day and age, Dustin Martin, will play game 250.
Down forward, these are some scary names that dominated against St Kilda: Jack Riewoldt, with 17 disposals, 12 kicks and five goals, Tom Lynch, with nine disposals, five kicks and three goals, Jack Graham, with 17 disposals, eight kicks and three goals, and Jason Castagna, with 16 disposals, eight kicks, eight handballs and two goals.
Melbourne should be wary of Martin ahead of his 250th game. Last week he gathered 34 disposals, 15 kicks, 19 handballs and a goal.
At the Demons, these are some of the players who were outstanding last week and could match up to Richmond: Ed Langdon, with 17 disposals, ten kicks and three goals, Jake Melksham, with 11 disposals, seven kicks and three goals, Kysaiah Pickett, with 18 disposals, 11 kicks and two goals, Tom McDonald, with 22 disposals, 18 kicks and two goals, Christian Petracca, with 23 disposals, 17 kicks and two goals, Max Gawn, with 26 disposals, 20 kicks and a goal, Clayton Oliver, with 30 disposals, 13 kicks and 17 handballs, Christian Salem, with 30 disposals, 22 kicks and seven marks.
(Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
For the last five years, Richmond have had the wood over Melbourne. They have won the last five clashes, with four of those clashes coming on Anzac Day eve.
However, against some top teams this year, Richmond have been beaten.
Melbourne were able to maintain their 100 per cent start to the new AFL season with a big win over Hawthorn last week. Ahead of their biggest test yet, they will be full of confidence.
It promises to be one of the matches of the year so far. I back Melbourne to continue their winning form and breaking the Richmond hoodoo. They have enough quality in their side and could stamp themselves as a genuine premiership threat.
Prediction: Melbourne by 15 points.
Kaniel Outis
Guest
Are they tanking already?
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
Im vodaphone unfortunately. Not sure if i should apologise now or later again as well, decided to chase my loses and back petracca and dusty tonight for 25+ and a goal each. Poor guys aren't going to know what hit em and will be lucky to get through without injuring themselves now.lol. #gambleresponsibly .lol.
RT
Roar Rookie
Just saw $15 for existing Telstra customers
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I really need to think about it and stop being a stingy SOB.lol.
DarwinDee
Guest
I'm confident Melbourne won't disgrace themselves tonight but I've been far less confident of a win since it was decided neither Brown or Weiderman wouldn't be playing - just hope Goodwin knows what he's doing...
Eddie from Elwood
Roar Rookie
Stump up for, if you don't mind a tin or two for a case of Carlton Draught (I think it is) and get Kayo for two months.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
I hope they do it for just Jones' sake. He's been such decent contributor over many years
George Apps
Roar Rookie
They were good in the last quarter as well.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I stump up for Foxtel, I just can't stand all the ad's on free to air, when I have to watch the GF on FTA it reminds me why I spend my hard earned. Kayo is only $25 per month I think.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
Ya just never know with Melbourne. Plus.......I didn't think about it lol, now I feel bad :crying:
DEESNUTSRBIG
Guest
Why not take em under 40 @ 2.15? Richmond rarely thrash teams and certainly won't tonight. Angus Brayshaw - Playing 100th game. Nathan Jones - Playing 300th game. Daniel Rioli - Playing 100th game. Dustin Martin - Playing 250th game.
Brendon the 1st
Roar Rookie
I hope the D's win, but I cannot see it happening, I got Richmond at $1.70 cause I thought it was the "shoe in" of the week. All Melbourne need from this game is to be really competitive and to get close. This year is a building year for them, they ain't gonna win the big dance, but if they stay competitive, make a prelim and do well, then next year could be the year.
AdamDilligafThompson
Roar Rookie
I was looking forward to watching this one but in S.A, I've just realised there's no AFL games on normal TV today at all but got all three games tomorrow. I think id rather be watching tonights game then collingwood v essendon tomorrow but s happens i guess.lol.
TMC
Guest
Richmond is not in the top 4. Bulldogs, Demons, Swans and Port
dab
Roar Rookie
Melbourne have opted to play two semi-fit players (Fritsch, May) and give Jones another game (despite being out of form). Mitch Brown gets dropped for kicking a couple of quick goals and busting the game open. On current form and endeavour, Melksham and Brayshaw would not score a game with a bottom tier reserves side. Then, to top things off the selectors do their best to disillusion Harrison Petty. It is safe to assume that Melbourne are not serious about winning this game. On the upside their VFL side should have no trouble notching up a win. Melbourne lost this game when the team was selected.
Frankie321
Roar Rookie
With all due credit to Richmond for its success over the last few years, it would be nice to spread the success around to some other teams now.
Chris Lewis
Roar Guru
I hope Demons win, looked good last week in fourth quarter.