Sportsday Melbourne vs Richmond & St Kilda vs Essendon reviews (02.03.26)
Mar 2, 2026
Fresh takes on two practice matches, breaking down Melbourne’s rapid ball movement and list improvements. A close look at Richmond’s mix of veteran steadiness and youth questions. Praise for Windhager and Philippou’s bold roles. A discussion of St Kilda’s recruitment and squad depth. Notes on Essendon’s rebuild and a few emerging players to watch.
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Episode notes
Melbourne's Fresh Identity Drives Fast Ball Movement
- Melbourne's fresh coaching sweep and youth recruitment have unlocked a faster, freer ball movement style.
- Ken Hinkley cites departures (Oliver, May, Goody) and Stephen King's influence plus picks like Windsor and Latrell as drivers of that freedom.
Richmond Still Relies On Veterans Amid Youth Inconsistency
- Richmond showed reliance on established ball winners while younger depth remains inconsistent.
- Hinkley notes Taranto and Short still accumulate high possessions, but youth like Grylls and injuries limit their cohesion.
Use Wildcard Finals To Sustain Interest Late In Season
- Keep more teams relevant late in the season to maintain fan engagement and TV interest.
- Gerard Healy argues wild card rounds and keeping 15–16 teams alive extend supporter involvement and network value.