Melbourne showed it plans to genuinely contend once again in 2023 with an impressive 50-point practice match win over Richmond at Casey Fields.
The Demons were dominant throughout, recording a 18.13 (121) to 10.11 (71) victory in the final pre-season hit-out before Round 1.
Simon Goodwin said he wanted his side to play in a fast, upbeat manner and that’s exactly what they did, particularly early. The Dees led by five goals at quarter-time and were never truly challenged thereafter, although the Tigers had their moments in the second half.
Melbourne’s aggressive ball movement was crisp, they used angles and were not as predictable as they were during the second half of last season. They appear a much quicker outfit in 2023 and their spread from midfield was so much slicker than Richmond’s.
Importantly, their team defence, led by Steven May, remains as solid as it’s been during their recent success.
Key observations
The Grundy/Gawn partnership looks dangerous
Max Gawn and Brodie Grundy gave us a close look at what they could be capable of this year as a ruck-forward duo.
They kicked six goals between them - all in the first half - and combined for 27 disposals (Gawn 17, Grundy 10), 23 hit-outs (Gawn 12, Grundy 11) and 12 marks (Gawn 8, Grundy 4), six of which were contested.
There was a gaping hole deep in the Tigers’ defence left by the absence of Robbie Tarrant, with rookie draftee Tylar Young given another go after holding his own against North Melbourne last week.
However, Gawn and Grundy took complete advantage of the situation and dominated inside a Demons forward line without last year’s leading goalkicker Bayley Fritsch.
Grundy takes the strong grab and he's got two in the first quarter. pic.twitter.com/QyELZNxBi0
— AFL (@AFL) March 4, 2023
There’s been plenty of speculation as to how the All-Australian pair will come together as a duo. This performance suggests they’ll be a fairly dangerous double act.
Melbourne’s midfield is now deeper
Melbourne’s midfield has long been lauded largely through the efforts of Clayton Oliver (31 disposals, nine clearances) and Christian Petracca (32 disposals, seven inside 50s).
But the star on-ball pair should get plenty of help this year if today was anything to go by.
Kysaiah Pickett looked sharp through the midfield at times and was as dangerous as ever in attack. He finished with 14 touches, six tackles, seven score involvements and kicked a goal.
Tom Sparrow was also solid with 18 disposals and three clearances in the absence of Jack Viney.
Former Bulldog Lachie Hunter looks a more than handy acquisition on the wing. He racked up 26 touches (20 uncontested) and kicked a lovely goal late.
Most Tigers (not Baker) lacked intensity
Damien Hardwick’s Tigers lacked their usual intensity.
Richmond had enough of it going forward, only losing the inside 50 count 55-57, but were simply not as intense around the ball, nor were they as clean as their more imperious opponents.
The pressure in the contest simply wasn’t as fierce.
Liam Baker was certainly not in that bracket and was comfortably Richmond’s best player. His intensity was enormous, ending the day with a game-high 36 touches plus six score involvements, four inside 50s, four rebound 50s and a goal.
Tim Taranto (33 disposals, five clearances, one goal) was superb again and Jacob Hopper (23 disposals, nine clearances) was industrious.
Lynch returns, Ryan impresses late
After playing three quarters in the reserves, Samson Ryan came on for the final term to replace Tom Lynch, who was rested as he continues to build up his load following a plantar fasciitis issue.
Ryan impressed with six kicks, five marks (four contested) and 1.2 after Lynch had taken three contested marks and kicked 1.1 from 13 disposals in three quarters prior.
The youngster has bulked up and now looks much more comfortable at the top level.
Prestia injury worry
Richmond’s Dion Prestia, who has dealt with his fair share of soft tissue injuries in recent seasons, suffered a strained pectoral muscle in the second quarter and played no further part.
The Tigers will be sweating on his fitness for Round 1.
Dion Prestia has a strained pectoral muscle and will take no further part in today's match. pic.twitter.com/F1CdWIlW8S
— Richmond FC 🐯 (@Richmond_FC) March 4, 2023
Next up
The Demons will take their handy pre-season form into Round 1 against the Western Bulldogs at the MCG on Saturday night, March 18.
The Tigers open the 2023 season with their traditional meeting with Carlton at the ‘G on Thursday night, March 16.