Melbourne Demons showcase newfound dash as lightning cuts practice match against Richmond short
For the Tigers, veteran forward Tom Lynch was unusually inaccurate in front of goal, finishing with 2.3, while Jayden Short was the leading disposal-getter on the ground with 20.
Xavier Lindsay and Koltyn Tholstrup celebrate a Melbourne goal.Credit: AFL Photos
The moment
It was late in the first quarter when raw forward Koltyn Tholstrup marked outside 50m and immediately showed his intentions.
While many Demons fans may not have thought he had the distance in him, the young West Australian used all his skill and power – and a slight breeze behind him – to boot an extremely impressive goal.
The eye-catcher
While 15 disposals and a goal may not usually be described as an eye-catching performance, Melbourne fans have something to look forward to in 2026 when they watch speed demon Caleb Windsor spend more time in the midfield. Windsor, who spent all of last year on the wing, was utilised inside the contest more by King and will provide much-needed speed through the middle of the ground in the absence of Clayton Oliver.
Richmond’s Hugo Ralphsmith warms up for the practice game in ballarat under threatening skies.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The injuries
Luker Kentfield (concussion). Walked off very groggy after a heavy collision while leading out of full-forward early in the game.
Sam Cumming (shoulder). Came off clutching his shoulder with two minutes to go in the first quarter.
What the coaches said
Chris Newman (Richmond): “It was a little bit different, obviously we haven’t been in this situation too many times before [sent off because of lightning], but the players reacted well. They knew they had to stay flexible with what the AFL felt was appropriate at this time. Safety is paramount. They’ve tried to keep the energy up and after the first break we actually came out and played some pretty good footy, so it’s a testament to a young group that they can bounce back.”
Nathan Jones (Melbourne): “The profile of the [midfield] group has absolutely changed in terms of its ability to transition from a running power perspective. We still value winning the ball, but the game’s tweaked a bit in terms of your ability to be able to pressure and strip and win it back, as much as it is win the ball and explode and explore on offence. We’ve put some time into that and we’ve exposed players to that and I think that’s evolving.
“There’s still opportunity for us to continue to get better in there but it’s exciting. Some of the boys in there have got huge upside and aren’t super experienced, but we’ve also got some experience around them.”
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The verdict
Lots to like from a Melbourne perspective, but to be honest, it’s hard to know how much to take out of a game that was quite literally abandoned. Richmond had senior stars, including Dion Prestia, Noah Balta and Nick Vlastuin, missing and senior leadership will be required to steer the ship at Punt Road in 2026.
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