Weather Chaos Disrupts AFL Preseason, Top-10 Draftee Exits Hurt
Unpredictable weather has impacted the AFL preseason, with teams facing various challenges leading up to the season’s kickoff. Melbourne and Richmond recently met in Ballarat, marking their final preparation before the official games begin. Both squads saw key players return but also had to contend with significant absences due to injuries.
Melbourne’s Lineup and Challenges
The Melbourne Demons welcomed back their captain, Max Gawn, as they aimed to solidify their roster. However, the team faced setbacks with several key players unavailable for selection:
- Brody Mihocek (concussion)
- Jake Melksham
- Steven May
- Jack Viney
- Jake Bowey
- Tom Campbell
- Shane McAdam
- Jai Culley
Despite these injuries, the Demons have remained competitive. Their selected side featured players like B. Howes, J. Lever, and M. Gawn leading the pack.
Richmond’s Roster Shifts
Richmond welcomed back seasoned veterans Nathan Broad and Tom Lynch. However, they also faced considerable losses, including:
- Nick Vlastuin
- Dion Prestia
- Noah Balta
- Samson Ryan
- Judson Clarke
- Jonty Faull
- Taj Hotton (hip injury)
Despite these challenges, the Tigers fielded a strong team, featuring stars such as T. Nankervis and M. Rioli.
Upcoming Matches
The AFL preseason continues as teams prepare for the highly anticipated matches ahead. Melbourne and Richmond faced off at 4:00 PM AEDT, broadcast live on Fox Footy and available for streaming on Kayo Sports.
Conclusion
The unpredictable weather conditions have disrupted the AFL preseason, underscoring the importance of adaptability for teams. Both Melbourne and Richmond must navigate injuries while striving for success as they step into the regular season.
