“He worked out earlier today and had a controlled session,” Bulldogs development coach Jarrin Geary said. “He’ll be tested on Wednesday. He’ll have to get through that and see what happens next week.”

Despite Darcy missing practice, the Dogs’ offensive threat was on display, swinging his bat before three-quarter time.

At 201cm, Croft has all the trademarks of a future unicorn. He can run, he can grab, and he has power on the ground level. All of these traits were on display in his first goal, when he recovered fastest in a marking battle with All-Australian defender Josh Battle deep up front. Small forward Arthur Jones also impressed with a live-wire performance, scoring three goals.

Despite assistant coach Adrian Hickmott’s positive review post-match, the Hawks did little right with a performance that gave coach Sam Mitchell little confidence heading into the season opener against Greater Western Sydney.

The Hawks, missing only Tom Barras and Carl Amon from a team likely to play in the opening game, were no match for a cleaner, tougher Bulldogs squad.

There were problems in all three zones on the ground. Their defense was empty as usual, the midfield was well beaten apart from Newcombe, and in attack it was Jack Gunston or failure for most of the night.

Failed to secure Zach Merrett, combined with Will Day’s struggles with injury, Hawthorn will need significant improvement from within their midfield if they are to beat the teams above them. They still have work to do on this expedition.

that moment

Jordan Croft’s athletic gifts were on display with his second goal. Croft, who scored a pinpoint kick on the run back to goal, had the speed to outpace his pursuer James Sicily and the skill to convert on a run from 35 meters out. A player who is 201cm tall should not be playing like this.

something that catches the eye

It’s been a slow burnout for Bulldogs swingman Buku Khamis, but this year could be his breakthrough year. Khamis played primarily as a third tall option at both ends of the ground in 41 games, enjoying the responsibility of a key defensive job. He shut out Mitch Lewis, marked the interception and read the play to shake off the opponent, and also showed the ability to mess up as a third man in a battle for marking. Khamis wanted to leave at the end of last year when Carlton came knocking, but a deal could not be agreed. If Khamis keeps up his form, it could prove to be smart business by the Dogs.

injury

Dogs youngster Riley Saunders will miss the game against the Lions after sustaining a concussion in a bizarre incident. Sanders ended an impressive 26-possession game in the second half when he took a ball to the face during a scramble on the wing.

Hawthorn will assess Cam McKenzie following a head contusion sustained in a tackle.

what the coaches said

Jarrin Geary (Western Bulldogs)): “What made me happy tonight was that his [Croft’s] Pressure and aerial presence. He’s a young player finding his way, but he’s showing signs of promise and being able to hit the scoreboard and make an impact at ground level is very promising for a guy of his stature.

Adrian Hickmott (Hawthorn):”We’ve had great training. Not at all [worried]. Sometimes we didn’t try hard enough. They made us work on the ground and were not worried at all. ”

judgment

The Bulldogs couldn’t have asked for more in their final outing before the home-and-away season. They should head to Brisbane confident of starting the season with an upset win.

This is a head-scratcher for the Hawks, who will take some relief next week as they will be playing an undermanned Giants team instead of three other clubs in the North.

Melbourne v Richmond

Mars Stadium, Ballarat
Demons 12.6 (78) d Tigers 6.7 (43) (shortened game)

game

A smoother, smoother Demons outfit under coach Stephen King provided entertainment and a clear game plan in Ballarat’s bizarre day against Richmond when lightning literally struck twice, ultimately forcing the game to be called off midway through the third quarter.

Melbourne always took risks with ball movement in the center of the ground, which fans were not used to. The first quarter in particular lasted 74 minutes as players were removed from the field due to nearby lightning.

It was the kids who impressed for the Demons, who faced a new future without Clayton Oliver (now at GWS), Christian Petracca (Gold Coast) and the injured Jack Vinney.

It was also a sore sight for Melbourne fans to see Premiership defender Harrison Petty return to the backline and look solid alongside veterans Jake Lever and Daniel Turner.

The Demons scored seven goals in a long opening period and finished with 12 when time was called midway through the third quarter. The shining light on the Dees’ front line was key forward Jacob van Rooyen, who contributed to three major games.

For the Tigers, veteran forward Tom Lynch was unusually inaccurate in front of the basket, finishing with just 2.3 shots per game, while Jaden Short led the field with 20 disposal getters.

that moment

It was late in the first quarter that raw forward Koltin Solstrup immediately showed his intent by marking 50 meters out.

Many Demons fans may not have thought he had the distance, but the young Western Australian used all his skill and power to score a very impressive goal with just a little wind at his back.

something that catches the eye

Fifteen disposals and one goal might not normally be an eye-catching performance, but Melbourne fans can look forward to seeing speed demon Caleb Windsor spend more time in midfield in 2026. Windsor, who spent most of last year on the wing, will be utilized more in-contest by King and will provide much-needed speed in the middle of the field in the absence of Clayton Oliver.

injury

Luker Kentfield (concussion). Early in the match, while leading from a full-forward, he suffered a violent collision and walked away in a very dizzy state.

Sam Cumming (shoulder). He left the game with two minutes left in the first quarter holding his shoulder.

what the coaches said

Chris Newman (Richmond): “It was a little different, obviously we haven’t been in a situation like this many times before.” [sent off because of lightning]but the players responded well. They knew they needed to be flexible with what the AFL deemed appropriate at the moment. Safety is of the utmost importance. They were trying to keep up the energy and after the first break they actually came out and played some pretty good football, so this is proof that this young group can bounce back. ”

Nathan Jones (Melbourne): “The profile is [midfield] The group has completely changed in terms of their ability to transition from a running standpoint. We still value winning the ball, but the game has adjusted a little bit in terms of the ability to put pressure and peel back and win the ball back, as much as winning the ball and exploding it on offense and exploring it. We’ve spent some time on it, let players experience it, and I think it’s evolving.

“There’s still a chance for us to continue to get even better there, which is exciting. Some of the players there have made a lot of progress and while they don’t have a lot of experience, there’s some experience around them as well.”

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judgment

There’s a lot to like from Melbourne’s perspective, but to be honest it’s hard to see how much profit they can make from a game that was literally abandoned. Richmond is missing senior stars such as Dion Prestia, Noah Barta and Nick Vlastuin, and will need a senior executive to steer the ship at Punt Road in 2026.

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