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Melbourne vs Richmond AFL Community Shield Preview 2026
Melbourne and Richmond prepare to face off at Mars Stadium in Ballarat as part of their AFL Community Shield preparations. Melbourne aims to re-establish consistency with a strong defensive structure despite absences like Steven May. The team focuses on balancing experience and developing talent. Richmond, focusing on growth, welcomes Tom Lynch back to provide structure in the forward line while developing their youthful midfield. Both teams aim to refine their strategies and build cohesion ahead of the season.
- Melbourne vs Richmond AFL Community Shield
- Melbourne focuses on strengthening their defensive structure and key player roles.
- Richmond aims for youth development, relying on key players like Tom Lynch.
- Both teams focus on strategy refinement and building cohesion pre-season.
Expired
Melbourne vs Richmond AFL Community Shield (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Melbourne vs Richmond Preview
Melbourne and Richmond meet at Mars Stadium in Ballarat as both clubs continue their AFL Community Shield preparations.
Each side welcomes important senior figures into the line up, while also managing key personnel. The emphasis will be on structure and cohesion rather than scoreboard pressure.
Melbourne
Melbourne enter 2026 with a clear focus on re establishing consistency after an uneven campaign. The Demons’ defensive structure remains central to their identity, although the absence of Steven May highlights the need for depth to hold firm.
The midfield continues to revolve around Max Gawn’s leadership and the balance between contested strength and outside run.
The longer term injury to Matt Jefferson shapes their forward planning, placing greater responsibility on Jacob van Rooyen and Bayley Fritsch to provide scoreboard stability.
In this match, Gawn’s presence anchors a side that blends established experience with developing talent across half forward and the wings. The Demons will look to refine their ball movement and defensive transition as they build toward Opening Round.
Melbourne Squad
B: B.Howes 22 J.Lever 8 D.Turner 10
HB: X.Lindsay 5 C.Salem 3 C.Jiath 14
C: H.Langford 4 J.Steele 9 T.Sparrow 32
HF: E.Langdon 15 L.Kentfield 44 K.Chandler 37
F: K.Pickett 36 J.van Rooyen 2 B.Fritsch 31
Foll: M.Gawn - C 11 C.Windsor 6 T.Rivers 24
I/C: H.Petty 35 T.McDonald 25 K.Tholstrup 12 L.Pickett 33 H.Sharp 30 B.Laurie 16 X.Taylor 19 T.Matthews 20
Emerg: J.Melksham 18 J.Adams 26 M.Heath 27 R.Mentha 39
Notable absentees: Steven May, Jake Melksham, Jack Viney, Brody Mihocek, Jake Bowey, Tom Campbell, Shane McAdam, Jai Culley
Richmond
Richmond continue their reset under a developing core, with 2026 about growth, resilience and building connection between youth and experience. The return of Tom Lynch provides a focal point inside 50, offering structure to a forward line that has leaned heavily on developing talent.
Managing senior defenders highlights the club’s intent to balance preparation with long term durability.
The midfield remains youthful, with Sam Lalor and other emerging players expected to shoulder greater responsibility as the season unfolds. In this match, the presence of Lynch and Nathan Broad adds senior stability to a line up that otherwise leans heavily on development.
The Tigers will be focused on contest work and forward efficiency as they continue shaping their next phase.
Richmond Squad
B: N.Broad 35 B.Miller 12 J.Gibcus 18
HB: J.Trezise 36 S.Grlj 24 J.Short 15
C: T.Sonsie 40 S.Lalor 4 K.McAuliffe 28
HF: S.Campbell 44 M.Rioli 17 S.Green 48
F: R.Mansell 7 T.Lynch 19 H.Armstrong 34
Foll: T.Nankervis - C 25 T.Taranto 14 J.Ross 5
I/C: T.Brown 30 H.Ralphsmith 13 J.Hopper 2 S.Cumming 22 C.Gray 50 S.Banks 6 L.Trainor 11 L.Fawcett 43
Emerg: P.Retschko 33 K.Smith 49 J.Alger 29 Z.Peucker 26
Notable absentees: Nick Vlastuin, Dion Prestia, Noah Balta, Samson Ryan, Judson Clarke, Jonty Faull, Taj Hotton
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