The injury-decimated Tigers face a tall task in trying to secure their first win of 2026 when they face Melbourne in the annual Anzac Day Eve clash at the MCG.

Richmond (0-6, 53.6%), already losing Tim Taranto, Maurice Rioli and Sam Banks to injury this week, will also be without Jayden Short in a late withdrawal due to his wife, Maddy, going into labour. Short is replaced by James Trezise in the selected side.

Despite the late blow, Adem Yze’s side is boosted by the returns of veteran duo Tom Lynch and Jacob Hopper, while prized draftee Sam Cumming will play his first AFL game.

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Just one change for the Demons (4-2, 94.2%) after their upset win over reigning premier Brisbane, with Changkuoth Jiath replacing the injured Harrison Petty.

Friday night’s match gets underway at 7.40pm AEST from the MCG.

Watch it live on Fox Footy (channel 504) from 6.30pm AEST.

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