Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Tips - Free flowing Demons to win big against battling Tigers
In the ANZAC Eve clash, Melbourne Demons are anticipated to secure a victory against the struggling Richmond Tigers. With Melbourne's revamped, aggressive game plan under Steven King, the team has scored 100+ points in four of six matches this season. Conversely, Richmond has been unable to capitalize on key metrics due to inefficient goal-scoring and injuries. This match-up could see Melbourne dominating through strong midfield performances and Max Gawn's critical influence. Richmond faces an uphill battle with several players sidelined.
Melbourne has a strong 4-2 record this season under a new game plan.
Richmond is struggling with injuries and has lost six consecutive matches.
Expect Melbourne to dominate with their attacking strategy and strong midfield.
Richmond is struggling with injuries and has lost six consecutive matches.
Expect Melbourne to dominate with their attacking strategy and strong midfield.
Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Preview
- Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Preview
- Head to Head
- Richmond Tigers Form Analysis
- Richmond Tigers Team News
- Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
- Melbourne Demons Team News
Melbourne will hand Richmond another big loss under the MCG lights in the ANZAC Eve clash.
The rejuvenated Melbourne outfit have won four of six this season and come in full of confidence after edging out Brisbane by two points in a shootout last weekend.
They come up against a Richmond outfit that are still searching for their first win and without answers at the moment.
Melbourne’s shift under Steven King has been clear. They are playing a far more attacking, instinct-driven brand, encouraging players to take the game on and back themselves.
That has translated to scoreboard pressure, with the Demons already surpassing 100 points in four matches this season. Expect a similar approach here. Melbourne will look to squeeze the ground, apply forward-half pressure and generate repeat inside 50s.
Richmond, on the other hand, are battling to convert their work. Despite being competitive in key metrics at times, their inefficiency in front of goal and inability to capitalise on inside 50 dominance has been a major issue.
The midfield battle in the Round 7 clash should be one-sided. Max Gawn’s influence around stoppage and his ability to follow up at ground level will give Melbourne first use and in the forward half, Melbourne’s structure is functioning well.
This shapes as a game where Melbourne control territory, dominate stoppages and pile on scoreboard pressure. They will win comfortably and cover the line with ease, while Max Gawn will be a central starting point. Jayden Short is one of a few Tigers players that can have a say in proceedings.
- Richmond have lost their past four matches by an average margin of 60 points.
- The Tigers are averaging just 59 points per game, while Melbourne have kicked over 100 in four of six matches.
- Max Gawn has averaged 25 disposals in his past three matches against Richmond.
- Jayden Short had 26 disposals last weekend and has hit 25+ in his past three against Melbourne.
Head to Head
Melbourne have won the past six matches between the two sides and were 20-point winners in the corresponding match last season. Those six victories have come at an average margin of 28 points.
Standout player performances in recent meetings have come from:
- Jayden Short – The rebounding Tigers defender has had 25+ disposals in his past three against Melbourne, hitting 30+ in two of those.
- Max Gawn – The Demons ruckman has been dominant, averaging 25 disposals in his past three.
- Bailey Fritsch – Melbourne’s forward has kicked 2+ goals in six of his past seven against Richmond.
Richmond Tigers Form Analysis
Richmond are struggling big time in 2026 and sit at 0-6, with an elusive win seeming well out of reach. They went close in Round 1 when going down by four points to Carlton but have since lost five straight by an average margin of 60 points. Last week it was a 75-point drubbing at the hands of North Melbourne.
They have been hit hard by injuries, which is far from ideal with a young and developing list, and the pain has been felt on the scoreboard with the Tigers averaging just 59 points per game this season, the lowest of any side in the competition.
Against the Kangaroos, they simply could not get their hands on the ball enough and were smashed in the disposal count 280–428, while inaccuracy in front of goal (7.13.55) did not help their cause. The scoreboard pressure from North exposed their inability to defend repeat entries, particularly in the second half when the game blew open.
There were some positives early, with Richmond winning key metrics such as inside 50s, clearances and contested possession in patches, but their inability to convert those opportunities continues to cost them. That scoreboard disconnect is now becoming a recurring theme and placing increasing mental pressure on a young group.
Jack Ross (26 disposals and two goals) and Jayden Short (26 disposals) were among the better contributors, but the lack of consistent support across the ground remains a major concern.
Richmond Tigers Team News
Richmond’s injury crisis goes from bad to worse with Tim Taranto (concussion), Maurice Rioli (hamstring) and Sam Banks (collarbone) all set to miss after going down in the loss to North Melbourne last weekend. Toby Nankervis and Tom Lynch remain on the sidelines with Lynch an outside hope of playing. Jacob Hopper will come back in, while Josh Gibcus, Ollie Hayes-Brown and Sam Cumming are other options.
Melbourne Demons Form Analysis
Melbourne sit 4-2 and have enjoyed a resurgence under Steven King. The Demons rebounded strongly from their Gather Round loss with a two-point win over Brisbane at the MCG.
They disrupted Brisbane’s uncontested marking game, applied pressure higher up the ground and generated repeat forward entries, particularly in a dominant third quarter that turned the match. Their ability to adjust mid-game and shift momentum was a key takeaway.
The Demons were also clinical in front of goal, kicking 16.8 (104) in a high-pressure game, with multiple contributors including Jacob van Rooyen, Harvey Langford and Kade Chandler, who all kicked three goals. Langford’s impact on the wing, combined with Ed Langdon’s run (28 disposals), highlighted Melbourne’s improved outside game.
Melbourne have now kicked 100+ points in four of six matches this season, a significant shift from 2025, and their willingness to take the game on has been a defining feature.
Max Gawn continues to lead from the front, averaging 35 hitouts per game and contributing around the ground, while Kozzie Pickett has thrived with increased midfield time, averaging 27 disposals in his past four matches.
Melbourne Demons Team News
Melbourne remain without Christian Salem, Jake Bowey and Jack Viney, while Harrison Petty will be monitored after leaving last week’s game with concussion symptoms.
There is some optimism around Changkuoth Jiath, who may return from a calf injury, while the Demons may look to manage their squad on the short turnaround following a high-intensity clash with Brisbane.
Verdict
Melbourne to cover with Gawn dominant, Short to offer some resistance for Richmond
Melbourne -38.5
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