Round 7 of the AFL season kicks off on Wednesday night as the Melbourne Demons (4-2) and Richmond Tigers (1-5) butt heads at the MCG on ANZAC Day Eve.
Both sides had a bye in Round 6 and tasted defeat in their most recent outings. Richmond was shell-shocked by a Harley Reid-inspired West Coast outfit in Perth going down to the West Coast Eagles by 39 points. Melbourne, meanwhile, played their worst game of the season to date, slumping to an 82-60 loss against the Brisbane Lions.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch Richmond vs St Kilda in the AFL, plus plenty more.
Richmond vs Melbourne date and start time
| Date | Wednesday, April 24, 2024 |
| Start time | 7:25 pm AEST/ 6:55 pm ACST/ 5:25 pm AWST |
| Venue | MCG |
| Location | Richmond VIC, Australia |
How to watch Richmond vs Melbourne on TV & stream live online
There are several options to watch the Richmond Tigers vs Melbourne Demons AFL game in Australia, including Network Seven, Foxtel, Foxtel from Telstra, and Kayo Sports.
The best way to livestream the aforementioned AFL game is through Kayo with a seven-day free trial. It also does not have a lock-in contract or equipment fees, which means you can cancel anytime.
All you need to decide is whether to pick Kayo One at $25 per month (1 stream and up to HD), or Kayo Basic at $35 per month (2 streams and up to 4K).
What channel is the Richmond vs Melbourne game on?
The game will be broadcast live on Channel 7 on free-to-air TV and will also be available to watch via Fox Footy on pay TV. Triple M, ABC and AFL Nation will provide the radio coverage.
Streaming the game with a VPN
- Overview of VPN services that allow access to geo-restricted streams
- How to set up and use a VPN service to stream the match
You can watch the game wherever you are in the world by using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) service such as NordVPN/ ExpressVPN. A VPN will allow you to create a secure connection online when you are abroad on holiday or for work and you want to stream the game live.
If you are unsure which VPN to use or how to use a VPN, we have looked at the best options available for watching live sports - check out the best VPN services review here.
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide on how to use a VPN to watch a game when you are overseas:
- Install VPN of your choice - see our reviews here for the best options.
- Select the location you wish to connect to. This is easy - if you are visiting the UK and you wish to continue watching one of your U.S. streaming services, you would select the US.
- Grab the popcorn and get ready to watch!
Richmond vs Melbourne team news
Richmond Tigers team news
Following a bye in Round 6, the Tigers will be determined to make amends for their 39-point setback to West Coast before the break. Fortunately, they will finally get some talent back, with experienced defender Dylan Grimes (wrist) and Jacob Hopper (knee) returning from respective injuries; a blessing for a thin Richmond roster.
New recruit Jacob Koschitzke hasn't performed well since joining the team in Round 4, therefore Samson Ryan, who scored four goals before the bye, might take his spot. Sam Naismith continues to wait for his chance at the top level, after dominating Richmond's first three VFL rounds this season.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Rucks | Naismith, Nankervis, Samson Ryan, Colina, Miller, Hayes-Brown |
| Defenders | Vlastuin, Grimes, Baker, Ralphsmith, Short, Rioli (Daniel), Givcus, Brown, Mansell, Broad, Trezise, Banks, Smith, Miller, Hayes-Brown, K. Smith |
| Midfielders | Prestia, Ross, Taranto, Hopper, Dow, McAuliffe, Bolton, McIntosh, Graham, Pickett, Green, Campbell, Pickett |
| Forwards | Lynch, Koschitzke, Fawcett, Sonsie, Bauer, Martin, Rioli (Maurice), Clarke, Coulthard, Cumberland, Lefau |
Melbourne Demons team news
Despite undergoing surgery on a dislocated finger only last week, Melbourne have reaffirmed star Clayton Oliver will suit up against Richmond on Wednesday night. Marty Hore (thumb) is also available for Wednesday night's clash. Small forward Kysaiah Pickett will return from his one-match suspension, with young Koltyn Tholstrup set to make way.
Shane McAdam has been cleared for return and will play in the VFL on Wednesday. Recruit Tom Fullarton is one of several players knocking on the door after 21 disposals and 2.4 up forward for Casey Demons before their VFL break.
Josh Schache kicked 3.1 from his 15 disposals in the same game while midfielder-forward Bailey Laurie also deserves a call-up after putting in an incredible 20 tackles to go with his 24 disposals and 11 clearances.
| Position | Players |
|---|---|
| Rucks | Soldo, Sweet, Ratugolea, Visentini |
| Defenders | Burton, McKenzie, Clurey, Aliir, Zerk-Thatcher, McCallum, Marshall, Houston, Farrell, Burgoyne, Williams, L. Jones |
| Midfielders | Rozee, Sinn, Butters, Boak, Bergman, Wines, Charleson, Drew, Lorenz, Jackson, Mead |
| Forwards | Marshall, Finlayson, Lord, Scully, Walsh, Powell-Pepper, Riolli, Horne-Francis, Georgiades, Dixon, Anastasopoulos, Evans, Scully, Byrne-Jones, McEntee, Narkle |
Head-to-Head
| Date | Match | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 30/07/23 | Richmond Tigers 98-130 Melbourne Demons | AFL |
| 24/04/23 | Melbourne Demons 96-78 Richmond Tigers | AFL |
| 24/04/22 | Richmond Tigers 54-76 Melbourne Demons | AFL |
| 24/04/21 | Melbourne Demons 82-48 Richmond Tigers | AFL |
| 05/07/20 | Melbourne Demons 52-79 Richmond Tigers | AFL |