Melbourne vs Richmond AFL Community Shield Preview 2026

James Smith

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Last updated: Thu 26 Feb 2026 09:59

James Smith 26 Feb 2026

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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.

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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.

Melbourne vs Richmond Preview
Melbourne
Melbourne Squad
Richmond
Richmond Squad

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.