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Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason scratch match: Richmond vs Essendon
« Last post by Simonator on Today at 08:21:03 PM »Hopper Taranto and ross dominate attendances in 2nd Q and we get smashed… think we all knew this already though.
News:
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Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason scratch match: Richmond vs Essendon
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:51:42 PM »
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Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason scratch match: Richmond vs Essendon
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:47:04 PM »Quick match notes
- Grlj was everywhere with so much thirst for the ball, stocks through the absolute roof - move him up them draft boards ASAP
- Lalor couple of highlights but played what I'd estimate to be no more than 20-30% TOG
- Ben Miller szn (dont)
- Tyler Sonsie? What? He was everywhere (played wing, but just kept popping up)
- McAuliffe pure wing and also found plenty of it, looks like he's ahead of Retschko
- Cumming was good in 2H when the main mids got rested, but seems slightly back in the pecking order
- Gibcus, don't bother
- Taj Hotton was a star early, before having managed minutes. Don't think he played much 2H. Played high half fwd but kinda floated everywhere.
- Jack Ross plenty of CBA and looks like he's ahead of the kids for that 3rd CBA banana role
- Tom Brown would have played all 4 quarters - started quiet but he was involved in a lot of 2nd Half Kick to kick
- Jayden Short started solid, but I can't see any upside on last year - think he'll just be the same as what we've seen from him before
Starting CBA:
🐯
Nank
Lalor
Taranto
Ross
https://x.com/Observer_AFL
- Grlj was everywhere with so much thirst for the ball, stocks through the absolute roof - move him up them draft boards ASAP
- Lalor couple of highlights but played what I'd estimate to be no more than 20-30% TOG
- Ben Miller szn (dont)
- Tyler Sonsie? What? He was everywhere (played wing, but just kept popping up)
- McAuliffe pure wing and also found plenty of it, looks like he's ahead of Retschko
- Cumming was good in 2H when the main mids got rested, but seems slightly back in the pecking order
- Gibcus, don't bother
- Taj Hotton was a star early, before having managed minutes. Don't think he played much 2H. Played high half fwd but kinda floated everywhere.
- Jack Ross plenty of CBA and looks like he's ahead of the kids for that 3rd CBA banana role
- Tom Brown would have played all 4 quarters - started quiet but he was involved in a lot of 2nd Half Kick to kick
- Jayden Short started solid, but I can't see any upside on last year - think he'll just be the same as what we've seen from him before
Starting CBA:
🐯
Nank
Lalor
Taranto
Ross
https://x.com/Observer_AFL
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Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason scratch match: Richmond vs Essendon
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:43:19 PM »
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Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason scratch match: Richmond vs Essendon
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:41:38 PM »LALOR ACT A HIGHLIGHT AS DRAFTEE CATCHES EYE
Jack Jovanovski
Foxsports
20 Feb 2026
Sam Lalor provided the Richmond faithful with exactly the sort of signs they were after in his first unofficial appearance of the season.
Donning his new No.4 guernsey, it was fitting that the second-year prodigy started in the guts before drifting forward to become a dangerous attacking option.
A particular highlight came just minutes into the contest, when Lalor rose high over Jayden Nguyen — crushing him in the process — for a terrific mark.
He couldn’t finish his work with his set shot, but the grab alone was worth its weight in gold.
The former No.1 pick, who played limited minutes after hamstring issues last year, was clean in possession and looked to be a physical force whenever he had it.
VIDEO: Lalor's mark:
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2024634742076035240
Meanwhile, top-10 draft pick Sam Grlj also had a handful of nice moments on Friday as he continues to press his case for a Round 1 debut.
His dash and decision-making off half-back were most notable against the Bombers, with a few moments in particular sticking out.
First, it was an accurate slicing kick into the corridor from defence that caught the eye, evading pressure before coolly lowering his eyes to find his teammate.
To cap the first quarter, Grlj, who’d gotten forward, centred a precise kick to a spot only fellow draftee Sam Cumming could mark it, with the young South Aussie kicking truly after the siren.
“He’s done some good things in the first hour,” Kayo Sports caller Adam White said in the first half.
Cumming, meanwhile, got better as the game went on, benefitting from more centre ball-up attendances later in proceedings once the Tigers’ stars sat out.
Richmond’s spread from half-back was a highlight in this first quarter — quickly looking to move it by foot, using angles and space — but it was short-lived.
Essendon adjusted its team defence after quarter-time, completely quelling the visitors’ ball movement fluency from that point on.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-preseason-2026-essendon-bombers-vs-richmond-tigers-match-simulation-scores-and-updates-blog-stats-squads-latest-news/news-story/d9c15069acec1f26593705c60755bc6c
Jack Jovanovski
Foxsports
20 Feb 2026
Sam Lalor provided the Richmond faithful with exactly the sort of signs they were after in his first unofficial appearance of the season.
Donning his new No.4 guernsey, it was fitting that the second-year prodigy started in the guts before drifting forward to become a dangerous attacking option.
A particular highlight came just minutes into the contest, when Lalor rose high over Jayden Nguyen — crushing him in the process — for a terrific mark.
He couldn’t finish his work with his set shot, but the grab alone was worth its weight in gold.
The former No.1 pick, who played limited minutes after hamstring issues last year, was clean in possession and looked to be a physical force whenever he had it.
VIDEO: Lalor's mark:
https://x.com/FOXFOOTY/status/2024634742076035240
Meanwhile, top-10 draft pick Sam Grlj also had a handful of nice moments on Friday as he continues to press his case for a Round 1 debut.
His dash and decision-making off half-back were most notable against the Bombers, with a few moments in particular sticking out.
First, it was an accurate slicing kick into the corridor from defence that caught the eye, evading pressure before coolly lowering his eyes to find his teammate.
To cap the first quarter, Grlj, who’d gotten forward, centred a precise kick to a spot only fellow draftee Sam Cumming could mark it, with the young South Aussie kicking truly after the siren.
“He’s done some good things in the first hour,” Kayo Sports caller Adam White said in the first half.
Cumming, meanwhile, got better as the game went on, benefitting from more centre ball-up attendances later in proceedings once the Tigers’ stars sat out.
Richmond’s spread from half-back was a highlight in this first quarter — quickly looking to move it by foot, using angles and space — but it was short-lived.
Essendon adjusted its team defence after quarter-time, completely quelling the visitors’ ball movement fluency from that point on.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/live-afl-preseason-2026-essendon-bombers-vs-richmond-tigers-match-simulation-scores-and-updates-blog-stats-squads-latest-news/news-story/d9c15069acec1f26593705c60755bc6c
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Richmond Rant / Re: Preseason scratch match: Richmond vs Essendon
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:37:45 PM »The key talking points from Essendon's win versus Richmond
By Jaiden Sciberras
SEN
20 Feb 2026
Essendon hosted Richmond in a hit out stacked with the talents of tomorrow.
The two sides put on an impressive contest in front of a packed out Hangar, with the hosts running out victorious by 50 points (18.10.118 to 10.8.68) after coming from behind in the early stages.
Without the likes of Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley, Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin and Dion Prestia, the two clubs competed with a plethora of fresh faces leading the line on either side.
Here are the key talking points we took from the Bombers' win!
Sam Lalor might be Dustin Martin
Of course, Sam Lalor's breakout is imminent - a clear standout for the Tigers.
The number four must have magic powers...
Sam Lalor took to the field in Dusty's old kit for the first time, and it's almost impossible to tell him apart from his legendary predecessor.
From his impressive size to his physical presence, his ability with and without the ball and his mid/forward role, the Tigers may have genuinely patched their Dustin Martin shaped hole with... Dustin Martin.
Excelling in just a half of football, look out for Lalor in 2026.
Young guns on display
For the Tigers, key forward duo of Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull worked well in a tandem, remaining dangerous throughout.
Sam Cumming and Sam Grlj both put on top performances in their first hit out, while Patrick Retschko showed plenty in his second half runout.
Much to look forward to for both sides.
Who to expect more of
Both lists have seen significant turnover over the last few seasons - who is expected to play frequent footy this year?
Tigs fans, Kane McAuliffe was prominant, as was Steely Green.
Josh Gibcus was strong after missing plenty of football, while Campbell Gray and Jasper Alger are certain to cause selection headaches.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/02/20/afl-2026-essendon-versus-richmond-practice-match-scores
By Jaiden Sciberras
SEN
20 Feb 2026
Essendon hosted Richmond in a hit out stacked with the talents of tomorrow.
The two sides put on an impressive contest in front of a packed out Hangar, with the hosts running out victorious by 50 points (18.10.118 to 10.8.68) after coming from behind in the early stages.
Without the likes of Zach Merrett, Jordan Ridley, Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin and Dion Prestia, the two clubs competed with a plethora of fresh faces leading the line on either side.
Here are the key talking points we took from the Bombers' win!
Sam Lalor might be Dustin Martin
Of course, Sam Lalor's breakout is imminent - a clear standout for the Tigers.
The number four must have magic powers...
Sam Lalor took to the field in Dusty's old kit for the first time, and it's almost impossible to tell him apart from his legendary predecessor.
From his impressive size to his physical presence, his ability with and without the ball and his mid/forward role, the Tigers may have genuinely patched their Dustin Martin shaped hole with... Dustin Martin.
Excelling in just a half of football, look out for Lalor in 2026.
Young guns on display
For the Tigers, key forward duo of Harry Armstrong and Jonty Faull worked well in a tandem, remaining dangerous throughout.
Sam Cumming and Sam Grlj both put on top performances in their first hit out, while Patrick Retschko showed plenty in his second half runout.
Much to look forward to for both sides.
Who to expect more of
Both lists have seen significant turnover over the last few seasons - who is expected to play frequent footy this year?
Tigs fans, Kane McAuliffe was prominant, as was Steely Green.
Josh Gibcus was strong after missing plenty of football, while Campbell Gray and Jasper Alger are certain to cause selection headaches.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/02/20/afl-2026-essendon-versus-richmond-practice-match-scores
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Richmond Rant / Richmond set to appoint Jarrad Donders as its new AFLW coach (afl site)
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:34:02 PM »Tigers set to appoint Ranges premiership coach to lead turnaround
Eastern Ranges premiership coach Jarrad Donders is set to take the helm at the Tigers
By Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
Feb 20, 2026
RICHMOND is set to appoint Eastern Ranges premiership coach Jarrad Donders as its new AFLW coach.
AFL.com.au understands the Tigers have settled on Donders as their preferred candidate after an extensive search across recent months, with Jane Woodlands-Thompson set to join him as the club's new head of women's football.
Donders and Woodlands-Thompson are now all but certain to replace Ryan Ferguson and Kate Sheahan respectively at the helm of Richmond's AFLW program, after both departed the club following a highly publicised external review last December.
Donders arrives just months after guiding the Eastern Rangers girls' program to the Talent League premiership, having also taken the reigns of last year's Vic Metro girls' side.
Woodlands-Thompson previously spent three years in charge of women's sport at Collingwood, where she held control over the club's AFLW and netball programs, while she has also recently coached the Australian Kelpies men's netball side.
Donders and Woodlands-Thompson are set to be tasked with turning around a Richmond AFLW program that went 2-10 last season, leading to the departure of both Ferguson and Sheahan at the conclusion of the campaign.
But the club then looked to supercharge its rebuild by trading up to the No.1 pick in last December's national draft, where it took West Australian key forward Olivia Wolmarans with the top selection.
Donders' impending appointment means just Melbourne and Port Adelaide are still searching for AFLW senior coaches with Adelaide (Ryan Davis), Sydney (Colin O'Riordan) and Geelong (Mick Stinear) having already filled their vacancies.
Meanwhile, with Woodlands-Thompson also set to arrive at Tigerland, only Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne are still searching to fill vacant heads of AFLW positions.
https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1467677/richmond-tigers-set-to-appoint-eastern-ranges-premiership-coach-jarrad-donders-to-lead-turnaround
Eastern Ranges premiership coach Jarrad Donders is set to take the helm at the Tigers
By Riley Beveridge
afl.com.au
Feb 20, 2026
RICHMOND is set to appoint Eastern Ranges premiership coach Jarrad Donders as its new AFLW coach.
AFL.com.au understands the Tigers have settled on Donders as their preferred candidate after an extensive search across recent months, with Jane Woodlands-Thompson set to join him as the club's new head of women's football.
Donders and Woodlands-Thompson are now all but certain to replace Ryan Ferguson and Kate Sheahan respectively at the helm of Richmond's AFLW program, after both departed the club following a highly publicised external review last December.
Donders arrives just months after guiding the Eastern Rangers girls' program to the Talent League premiership, having also taken the reigns of last year's Vic Metro girls' side.
Woodlands-Thompson previously spent three years in charge of women's sport at Collingwood, where she held control over the club's AFLW and netball programs, while she has also recently coached the Australian Kelpies men's netball side.
Donders and Woodlands-Thompson are set to be tasked with turning around a Richmond AFLW program that went 2-10 last season, leading to the departure of both Ferguson and Sheahan at the conclusion of the campaign.
But the club then looked to supercharge its rebuild by trading up to the No.1 pick in last December's national draft, where it took West Australian key forward Olivia Wolmarans with the top selection.
Donders' impending appointment means just Melbourne and Port Adelaide are still searching for AFLW senior coaches with Adelaide (Ryan Davis), Sydney (Colin O'Riordan) and Geelong (Mick Stinear) having already filled their vacancies.
Meanwhile, with Woodlands-Thompson also set to arrive at Tigerland, only Adelaide, Brisbane and Melbourne are still searching to fill vacant heads of AFLW positions.
https://www.afl.com.au/aflw/news/1467677/richmond-tigers-set-to-appoint-eastern-ranges-premiership-coach-jarrad-donders-to-lead-turnaround
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Richmond Rant / Re: Richmond ressies/VFL side [merged]
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:28:57 PM »Bombers defeat Tigers in VFL practice match
Richmond was unable to overcome a slow start in Friday's VFL practice match.
By Connor Burns
RichmondFC.com.au
Feb 20, 2026
Essendon 8.5 12.7 17.9 18.13 (121)
Richmond 0.0 3.1 5.2 8.7 (55)
Goals: Toner 2, Fawcett, Renfree, Daniels, Lowther.
Richmond's VFL side were outplayed by Essendon at the NEC Hangar in their second practice match on Friday afternoon, going down by 66 points.
The Dons began the game in red-hot form making the Tigers pay for their lacklustre start, leading by 53 points at quarter-time.
Richmond came out of the first break much-improved with AFL-listed Tiger Liam Fawcett getting his team on the board, kicking a beautiful set shot from 40 metres out on a slight angle.
The Tigers soon had another, with basketball export Ned Renfree making it back-to-back majors for his team, as Jack Madgen's side started to get to work in the midfield and gain forward territory.
Still, the Dons were able to extend their lead out to 70 points at the main break but there were some encouraging signs, as new VFL recruits Leo Connolly and Aaron Sharkie worked their way into the game.
Kai Daniels also had some good moments coming out of half-time, taking a few big grabs and kicking a nice snapping goal, while Sam Toner conjured a masterful snap from the boundary line.
The Tigers had plenty of inside-50s but intercept marks from the Bombers' defenders stifled their momentum, as Essendon often went down the other end and kicked goals.
With a quarter to play, the Bombers held a 79-point lead, with Richmond still hoping to take plenty out of the last term.
Toner continued to impress as the game wore on, kicking his second goal of the afternoon early in the last quarter, while big man Daniel Lowther also snagged one.
On a tough day, the Tigers finished promisingly as they continue to work towards Round 1.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1958443/bombers-defeat-tigers-in-vfl-practice-match
Richmond was unable to overcome a slow start in Friday's VFL practice match.
By Connor Burns
RichmondFC.com.au
Feb 20, 2026
Essendon 8.5 12.7 17.9 18.13 (121)
Richmond 0.0 3.1 5.2 8.7 (55)
Goals: Toner 2, Fawcett, Renfree, Daniels, Lowther.
Richmond's VFL side were outplayed by Essendon at the NEC Hangar in their second practice match on Friday afternoon, going down by 66 points.
The Dons began the game in red-hot form making the Tigers pay for their lacklustre start, leading by 53 points at quarter-time.
Richmond came out of the first break much-improved with AFL-listed Tiger Liam Fawcett getting his team on the board, kicking a beautiful set shot from 40 metres out on a slight angle.
The Tigers soon had another, with basketball export Ned Renfree making it back-to-back majors for his team, as Jack Madgen's side started to get to work in the midfield and gain forward territory.
Still, the Dons were able to extend their lead out to 70 points at the main break but there were some encouraging signs, as new VFL recruits Leo Connolly and Aaron Sharkie worked their way into the game.
Kai Daniels also had some good moments coming out of half-time, taking a few big grabs and kicking a nice snapping goal, while Sam Toner conjured a masterful snap from the boundary line.
The Tigers had plenty of inside-50s but intercept marks from the Bombers' defenders stifled their momentum, as Essendon often went down the other end and kicked goals.
With a quarter to play, the Bombers held a 79-point lead, with Richmond still hoping to take plenty out of the last term.
Toner continued to impress as the game wore on, kicking his second goal of the afternoon early in the last quarter, while big man Daniel Lowther also snagged one.
On a tough day, the Tigers finished promisingly as they continue to work towards Round 1.
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1958443/bombers-defeat-tigers-in-vfl-practice-match
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Richmond Rant / Re: Kane McAuliffe [merged]
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:13:16 PM »Impressive McAuliffe "fit and ready" for 2026
Hard-nosed midfielder Kane McAuliffe has gone from strength to strength in “injury-free” pre-season.
By Henry Milic
RichmondFC.com.au
Feb 20, 2026
Despite going down to Essendon in Friday's match simulation, Richmond can take plenty of positives from an impressive performance by young gun Kane McAuliffe.
The 20-year-old dominated through the centre of the ground and on the wing, dishing up several inside-50 entries from centre clearances.
After enduring an injury-riddled season in 2025 with only five AFL appearances, McAuliffe is confident in his preparation, labelling it his best pre-season yet.
“It’s been a good pre-season,” McAuliffe said.
“It's been my first time at the Club injury-free, which has been nice, so I’m just feeling fit and ready to get into the season.
“I’m just starting to learn a bit of the wing, a bit of inside mid, so it's been a good balance so far. It's a great young group through the midfield, and everyone works well together.
“We do heaps of reviews together, and I feel like we're really close as a line, so looking forward to the season.”
McAuliffe is confident his team will build on Friday's hit-out, taking learning’s into the AAMI Community Series match against Melbourne in Ballarat next Friday at 4:15pm (AEDT).
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1958566/impressive-mcauliffe-fit-and-ready-for-2026
Hard-nosed midfielder Kane McAuliffe has gone from strength to strength in “injury-free” pre-season.
By Henry Milic
RichmondFC.com.au
Feb 20, 2026
Despite going down to Essendon in Friday's match simulation, Richmond can take plenty of positives from an impressive performance by young gun Kane McAuliffe.
The 20-year-old dominated through the centre of the ground and on the wing, dishing up several inside-50 entries from centre clearances.
After enduring an injury-riddled season in 2025 with only five AFL appearances, McAuliffe is confident in his preparation, labelling it his best pre-season yet.
“It’s been a good pre-season,” McAuliffe said.
“It's been my first time at the Club injury-free, which has been nice, so I’m just feeling fit and ready to get into the season.
“I’m just starting to learn a bit of the wing, a bit of inside mid, so it's been a good balance so far. It's a great young group through the midfield, and everyone works well together.
“We do heaps of reviews together, and I feel like we're really close as a line, so looking forward to the season.”
McAuliffe is confident his team will build on Friday's hit-out, taking learning’s into the AAMI Community Series match against Melbourne in Ballarat next Friday at 4:15pm (AEDT).
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1958566/impressive-mcauliffe-fit-and-ready-for-2026
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Richmond Rant / Re: Dustin Martin [merged]
« Last post by one-eyed on Today at 07:07:33 PM »Richmond legend Dustin Martin could be set to make a football return in 2026, according to the Herald Sun.
After taking 2025 off, the Herald Sun understands that Martin is ‘on the verge’ of signing with the Yarrawonga Pigeons in the Ovens and Murray League.
According to the report, Martin has been undergoing a mini pre-season to regain some match fitness.
It’s believed Martin will play between three and nine games for the country powerhouse.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/02/20/afl-2026-dustin-martin-football-comeback-yarrawonga-pigeons-ovens-murray
After taking 2025 off, the Herald Sun understands that Martin is ‘on the verge’ of signing with the Yarrawonga Pigeons in the Ovens and Murray League.
According to the report, Martin has been undergoing a mini pre-season to regain some match fitness.
It’s believed Martin will play between three and nine games for the country powerhouse.
https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/02/20/afl-2026-dustin-martin-football-comeback-yarrawonga-pigeons-ovens-murray
