MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 14: Max Gawn of the Demons marks the ball during a Melbourne Demons training session at Gosch's Paddock on December 14, 2022 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Martin Keep/AFL Photos for AFL Photos)
The AFL match simulations started on Sunday with Richmond taking on Melbourne, offering glimpses into popular picks like Josh Gibcus, Jack Billings, Max Gawn and Caleb Windsor.
MATCH SIM
Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields
The final scoreboard didn’t really matter in a game played over 7 periods with mass changes in personnel throughout. Clayton Oliver (AF $1.03m SC $674k MID) was the busy media story, after his extended time out on personal leave, playing the final 3 periods in the Melbourne “reserves”. He impressed, kicking a classy left-foot snap goal and playing on despite a heavy hit to the body.
Oliver’s Round 0 availability has a lot of trickle-on effects and Dees assistant coach Troy Chaplin said about that: “If all goes well (he’ll play Round 0). He has missed a little bit, more our education and game style stuff. We’ll bring him up to speed as quickly as possible. There’s some other things he’s got to tick off. For him, it’s about getting back out there and building some rapport with the players again.”
Injury news
Christian Salem played in the reserves side after a back issue, while Lachie Hunter (calf), Angus Brayshaw (illness), Charlie Spargo (Achilles soreness) and Taj Woewodin (concussion) all missed but Chaplin said may play next week. Max Gawn only played a half of the 1st game, but was always going to be managed.
Richmond were without A-Grade onballers like Dustin Martin, Tim Taranto and Dion Prestia (hamstring).
Key notes
Jack Billings and Kynan Brown both rotated through the forward line and wing, while Caleb Windsor had his moments with his dash, rallying after an early heavy hit to have some impact. Billings also had 2 CBAs.
Richmond’s Kane McAuliffe only came on late in the 4-quarter AFL game so seems on the fringes, but did get a few CBAs in that time. Steely Green had some good moments and looks a contender to play. In the absence of Taranto etc, Thomson Dow (24 of 34 CBAs) got good midfield time. Josh Gibcus got through unscathed after missing 2023 with a hamstring injury.
Confirmed match simulations
All games live on Kayo Sports
Sunday, February 18
Melbourne v Richmond, Casey Fields, 10am AEDT
Wednesday, February 21
North Melbourne v Collingwood, Arden St, 10am AEDT
Thursday, February 22
Sydney v Greater Western Sydney, Tramway Oval, 10am AEDT
Carlton v Geelong, Ikon Park, 11am AEDT
Brisbane v Gold Coast, Brighton Homes Arena, 5pm AEST
Friday, February 23
Western Bulldogs v Hawthorn, Whitten Oval, 11am AEDT
St Kilda v Essendon, RSEA Park, 2pm AEDT
Port Adelaide v Adelaide, Alberton Oval, 5pm ACDT
Saturday, February 24
West Coast v Fremantle, Mineral Resources Park, 4.45pm AWST
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