Riding a purple patch of form as they head into Round 7, Melbourne will look to maintain their early-season foothold inside the top 10 while facing a struggling Richmond side on Friday night's ANZAC Day Eve clash.

Melbourne moved to 4-0 at the MCG in 2026 through a thrilling win over Brisbane on Sunday, withstanding a late surge to hold on 104-102.

Delayed concussion symptoms for defender Harrison Petty, who left the ground in the third quarter, was the Demons’ only concern.

Meanwhile, Richmond is the only club still searching for their first win in 2026, coming off another brutal 130-55 loss to North Melbourne.

Tim Taranto, Maurice Rioli, and Sam Banks all left the field and will be sidelined, for some time, although big Tommy Lynch is set to return for this one. 

At 0-6, the Tigers have their worst start to a season since 2010. Melbourne has won its past six meetings with Richmond, including an 83-63 victory last season.

Richmond will be hoping that Melbourne repeats their dismal Gather Round performance against Essendon here, or it’ll be a long night in Tigerland.

For the latest team news, analysis, and expert insights, check out our Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Round 7 prediction and preview below.

Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Match Predictions and Betting Tips

Head-to-Head Prediction

This fixture has become an enjoyable one, despite where the two teams might be at. What we know six weeks in is the Dees are here for the show.

In fact, they are the show at the MCG. Another big scalp on home soil on a Sunday afternoon last week. And they should’ve learned a valuable lesson about looking ahead when they were upended by Essendon in Adelaide a fortnight back.

There will be no looking past the Tigers this time around.

For Richmond, hanging tough and continuing to believe in the process is the key. Wins are not coming; beltings are instead.

The club needs to keep grinding and working out which guys can play and which guys cannot.

Head-to-head prediction: Melbourne Demons by 31 points.

First Goal Scorer Prediction

Bayley Fritsch has been Mr. Consistent for the Dees for close to a decade now.

The 2026 Season is no different, Bayley’s already kicked 10 goals for the year from just six starts.

We expect the Dees to jump out of the blocks early at the G. Who else but Bayley Fritsch has a knack for finding themselves in the right place, at the right time, with the right play?

Number 31. to score early for the Dees.

Betting tip: Bayley Fritsch.

Most Disposals Prediction

Max Gawn continues to defy father time, putting in a monster performance against Brisbane with 22 disposals and 32 hit-outs.

While big Maxxy will be feeding a hungry midfield, Kozzy Pickett is becoming the strike-weapon at the Dees. We’ve seen him competing in games for longer periods as he becomes a dominant voice at the club.

Kozzy brings undeniable X-factor which will be hard for the inexperienced Tigers defence to contain, we expect him to be heavily involved in this one.

Betting tip: Kysaiah Pickett.

Odds are subject to change. *

Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Predicted Teams

Richmond Tigers Predicted Team List

FB: Campbell Gray, Noah Balta, Ben Miller

HB: Nick Vlastuin, Jayden Short, James Trezise

C: Patrick Retschko, Dion Prestia, Hugo Ralphsmith

HF: Steely Green, Jack Ross, Sam Cumming

FF: Jonty Faull, Seth Campbell, Tom Lynch

FOLL: Samson Ryan, Sam Lalor, Tom Brown

I/C: Nathan Broad, Sam Grlj, Kane McAuliffe, Tyler Sonsie, Liam Fawcett

Melbourne Demons Predicted Team List

FB: Daniel Turner, Jake Lever, Blake Howes

HB: Bailey Laurie, Tom McDonald, Caleb Windsor

C: Koltyn Tholstrup, Jack Steele, Harry Sharp

HF: Kade Chandler, Brody Mihocek, Matthew Jefferson

FF: Bayley Fritsch, Jacob van Rooyen, Kysaiah Pickett

FOLL: Max Gawn, Harvey Langford, Ed Langdon

I/C: Xavier Taylor, Jai Culley, Tom Sparrow, Latrelle Pickett, Xavier Lindsay

Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons Match Details

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026

First Bounce: 7:40pm AEST

Location: MCG, Melbourne

How to Watch: Fox Footy/Kayo Sports