MELBOURNE has produced a perfect start to its 2022 AFL campaign, heading into Round 8 as the only team in the league to remain undefeated.  

GM AFL Football Performance Alan Richardson joined the team on SEN Breakfast on Friday morning to discuss the club’s opening rounds, praising the team’s adaptability with each challenge.  

“The opposition have been really impressive,” Richardson said.  

“On the weekend, against the Hawks, there were things we hadn’t quite seen before and it’s a real challenge for the players and the coaches. 

“What’s been pleasing is their ability to be able to adapt, I think our third quarters have been really positive.”  

A clear standout from Melbourne’s Round 7 win over Hawthorn was Demon skipper Max Gawn (29 disposals, two goals, 35 hitouts and nine clearances), with his continued leadership and performances a talking point.  

Richardson was filled with praise for the captain, detailing the work Gawn does with the playing group both on and off the field.  

“Max is probably the best player that I’ve seen, in terms of the influence he has on performance,” Richardson said.  

“He looks for opportunities to celebrate with his teammates, he goes to the VFL to acknowledge those young blokes who play. 

“He has incredible balance…he picks the right moments to say, ‘let’s have a laugh’ and equally, when things need to be challenged, he steps forward there as well.”  

The Demons will face the Saints in a Sunday afternoon clash at the MCG.  

With St Kilda sitting on five wins and two losses, Melbourne is preparing for a battle on its home turf.  

“We’re looking forward to it,” Richardson said.  

“We know the Saints are playing really good footy and they’re really hard to score against, their defence is outstanding, their ability to win the ball in contest is elite.  

“It’ll be a great game of footy.”