Hawthorn Hawks co-captain Jai Newcombe to face match review officer; lightning cuts Melbourne Demons v Richmond practice match short
“He trained early today and had a controlled session,” Bulldogs development coach Jarryn Geary said. “He’ll be evaluated on Wednesday. He needs to get through this and see how it goes next week.”
Even when Darcy was in the practice game, the Dogs’ offensive threat was evident and he raised his sticks a ton before three quarters.
Croft, who is 201 centimeters tall, has all the features of the unicorn of the future. He can run, he can grab, and he’s also a force at ground level. All of these attributes were on display for his first goal when he recovered fastest in a marking contest against All-Australian defender Josh Battle deep in the forward line. Small forward Arthur Jones also impressed in the live performance, scoring three goals.
Jordan Croft celebrates after scoring against Hawthorn.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
The Hawks didn’t quite get it right with a performance that will not give coach Sam Mitchell confidence heading into the season opener against Greater Western Sydney, despite assistant coach Adrian Hickmott’s positive post-match assessment.
Having lost only Tom Barrass and Karl Amon among their prospects in the opening round, the Hawks were no match for a cleaner, tougher Bulldogs team.
There were problems in all three areas on the field. Their defense routinely opened up, their midfield, apart from Newcombe, was well beaten and in attack it was Jack Gunston or failure for most of the night.
The failure to protect Zach Merrett, combined with Will Day’s injury struggles, means Hawthorn will need significant improvement from within if their midfield is to beat top teams. He still has work to do on this trip.
moment
Jordan Croft’s athletic abilities were revealed with his second goal. Croft, who made a pinpoint shot while running towards goal, had the speed to outpace James Sicily and the ability to convert from 35 meters away. Players who stand 201cm should not play like this.
Attractive
It’s been a slow ride for Bulldogs’ Buku Khamis, but this could be a good year for him. In his 41 games, Khamis has enjoyed the responsibility of a key defensive role, playing as a third tall option at both ends of the pitch. He took out Mitch Lewis and was also a force, outpacing the opposition with his cutting marking and reading of the game, and spoiling as third man in a marking contest. Khamis wanted to leave the team when Carlton knocked on the door at the end of last year, but could not reach an agreement. If Khamis maintains this form, it will be clear that the Dogs have done a smart job.
injuries
Dogs junior Ryley Sanders will miss the matchup with the Lions after suffering a concussion in a bizarre incident. Sanders got the ball in his face during a tackle on the wing in the second half, ending an impressive 26-possession game.
Hawthorn will assess Cam Mackenzie for a head knock sustained during a tackle.
What the coaches said
Jarryn Geary (Western Bulldogs)): “The joy of this night is that it [Croft’s] pressure and presence of air. “He is a young player finding his way but he is showing promising signs and getting on the scoreboard and impact at ground level is very encouraging for a guy of his stature.”
Adrian Hickmott (Hawthorn): ”We’re having a great workout. not exactly [worried]. Sometimes we didn’t work hard enough. “They made us work on the ground, but they didn’t care at all.”
Decision
The Bulldogs couldn’t have asked for more in their final game before the home-and-away season. They should head to Brisbane confident they can start the season with an upset win.
This was confusing for the Hawks, who were relieved to play an undermanned Giants team next week instead of one of the other three northern clubs.
Melbourne – Richmond
Mars Stadium, Ballarat
Devils 12.6 (78) d Tigers 6.7 (43) (shortened game)
Bailey Fritsch steps forward for the Dees in Ballarat.Credit: AFL Pictures
match
The softer, more stylish Demons team under Steven King provided entertainment and a discernible game plan against Richmond on a strange day in Ballarat when lightning literally struck twice, eventually causing the game to be abandoned midway through the third quarter.
Harrison Petty returned to the Melbourne defense and was solid.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Melbourne constantly took risks with the movement of the ball through midfield, something their fans were not accustomed to. They looked strong going forward, especially in the first quarter, which spanned 74 minutes, as players were sent off the field when lightning struck nearby.
It was the boys who impressed as the Demons faced a new future without Clayton Oliver (now at GWS), Christian Petracca (Gold Coast) and the injured Jack Viney.
There were also sore eyes for Melbourne fans to see premiership defender Harrison Petty return to the backline, where he looked solid alongside experienced Jake Lever and Daniel Turner.
The Demons scored seven goals in the extended opening period and finished with 12 goals midway through what should have been the third quarter. The shining light for the Dees forward was key forward Jacob van Rooyen, who contributed in three majors.
Tigers veteran forward Tom Lynch was uncharacteristically inaccurate in front of goal and finished the game with 2.3 points; Jayden Short was the best ball receiver on the field with 20 points.
Xavier Lindsay and Koltyn Tholstrup celebrate a Melbourne goal.Credit: AFL Pictures
moment
It was late in the first quarter when Ham forward Koltyn Tholstrup stepped out of the 50 meters and immediately showed his intent.
While many Demons fans might not have thought he was aloof, the young West Australian used all his skill and power – and a gentle breeze behind him – to score a hugely impressive goal.
Attractive
While 15 disposals and one goal wouldn’t usually be described as a standout performance, Melbourne fans have something to look forward to in 2026 as they watch pace demon Caleb Windsor spend more time in midfield. Having spent all of last year on the wing, Windsor was used more by King in the competition and will provide much-needed pace in the middle of the pitch in the absence of Clayton Oliver.
Richmond’s Hugo Ralphsmith warms up for a practice match in Ballarat under threatening skies.Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
injuries
Luker Kentfield (concussion). He walked very dazed after a heavy collision while coming forward early in the game.
Sam Cumming (shoulder). He left the game with two minutes left in the first quarter, clutching his shoulder.
What the coaches said
Chris Newman (Richmond): “It was a little different, obviously we haven’t been in this situation much before. [sent off because of lightning]but the players responded well. They knew they had to remain flexible with what the AFL felt was appropriate at the moment. Security is paramount. “They tried to keep the energy up and we really came out after the first break and played some pretty good football, which is proof that a young group can bounce back.”
Nathan Jones (Melbourne): “Profile [midfield] the group has certainly changed in terms of its ability to transition from an ongoing power perspective. We still value winning the ball, but the game has been adjusted a bit in terms of your ability to press, strip and win the ball back, as well as your ability to win the ball, explode and scout in attack. We’ve put some time into it and exposed the players to it, and I think it’s improving.
“We still have the opportunity to continue to get better there, but it’s exciting. Some of the players there have huge upside and they’re not super experienced, but we also have some experience around them.”
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Decision
There’s a lot to like for Melbourne, but honestly it’s hard to know how much to get out of a game that’s literally been abandoned. Richmond was missing veteran stars like Dion Prestia, Noah Balta and Nick Vlastuin and senior leadership would be needed to steer the ship at Punt Road in 2026.
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