AFL round 13 LIVE: Richmond Tigers v Port Adelaide Power
Key posts
- New details on Demons’ fight – and why Melksham wasn’t suspended
- Key player: Charlie Dixon
1 of 1
Rutten throws down gauntlet to Essendon mids; McKay back for Blues
Essendon coach Ben Rutten has issued a stern challenge to his midfield ahead of the club’s big occasion clash with old foes Carlton: if you want to be the best, then beat them.
The Bombers will celebrate their 150th anniversary on Friday night in front of a blockbuster crowd at the MCG, desperate to use the event as a lightning rod to turn around a dismal first half of the season.
Andrew McGrath remains in doubt.Credit:Getty Images
In good news for the red and black, Rutten confirmed that Jake Stringer, Mason Redman and Matt Guelfi will all return, but No.1 draft pick Andrew McGrath remains in significant doubt with a groin complaint.
READ MORE HERE
McLachlan’s stadium ultimatum on Tasmanian AFL team
A new state-of-the-art stadium in Hobart is essential for Tasmania’s bid for a standalone team in the AFL to be successful, according to AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan.
McLachlan made that clear after meeting Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff in Hobart on Thursday, as the vote on a new licence in August draws nearer.
AFL CEO Gillon McLachlan.Credit:Chris Hopkins
McLachlan said a new stadium could transform the state, citing the impact that the Adelaide Oval and Optus Stadium in Perth had had on their states’ respective capital cities.
“This team needs and will have a new stadium if [they] want a licence,” McLachlan told reporters in Hobart on Thursday.
READ MORE HERE
New details on Demons’ fight – and why Melksham wasn’t suspended
Jake Melksham escaped suspension for his altercation with Melbourne teammate Steven May on Sunday because he challenged the key defender about his behaviour on the night and then acted to defend himself when the discussion escalated into a physical encounter.
Demons blue: Jake Melksham and Steven May.Credit:Getty Images
The Demons did not condone Melksham’s decision to resort to violence, but club sources said they took the view that he had acted almost on behalf of teammates in challenging May, who had provoked the fight through his behaviour. It followed drinking at a restaurant in Prahran and spilled out in to the street outside.
READ MORE HERE
OPINION: ‘How the mighty have fallen’: Inside one of football’s great rivalries
As Essendon prepare for their 150th anniversary celebration on Friday night against Carlton, you can’t help but think how the mighty have fallen.
The Bombers, along with the Blues, were our biggest Victorian rivals of the ’90s.
Dustin Fletcher spoils Wayne Carey in 2000 qualifying final.Credit:Allsport
Between us, Essendon and North Melbourne won four flags in just eight years, from the Baby Bombers of ’93 to their all-conquering team of 2000.
Under David Parkin, the Blues denied us in a preliminary final in 1995 before we bounced back in 1996 and beat them in the grand final of ’99.
READ MORE
Key player: Charlie Dixon
Clarke to debut
Juddy Clark has been presented his jumper from former Tiger Sam Lloyd.
The 18-year-old is a 180cm left-footed midfielder. He joined the Tigers at pick 30 in last year’s National Draft out of East Ringwood (Vic)/Yarra Valley Grammar (Vic)/Dandenong U18.
No late changes to either side
Welcome!
Good evening and welcome to tonight’s blog.
It’s Richmond v Port Adelaide at the MCG, a massive game in the scheme of both sides’ top-eight aspirations.
Damien Ractliffe here to take you through the action.
1 of 1
Most Viewed in Sport
Source: Read Full Article