DESPITE Richmond making seven changes to its team this week and the controversy surrounding the club early in the week, Melbourne has not blinked as it prepares to play the Tigers on Saturday at the MCG.

All Demons coach Mark Neeld did was present the selected Richmond side to his team and focus the discussion on the Tigers' style of play and the individuals who were playing.

"We didn't mention the number of changes or anything like that," Neeld said. "I don't think that has an impact on our boys at all."

The drama surrounding Richmond early in the week - where Daniel Connors was sacked and Dustin Martin suspended - has added interest to the contest.

In contrast to its opposition, Melbourne made just two forced changes and decided not to select veterans Aaron Davey and Brad Green, instead deciding the duo should resume from injury through the VFL.

Neeld was reluctant to comment on the dramas surrounding Richmond, merely saying he was pleased with the side he had to go up against them.

"I find it really difficult to comment on other clubs and what they are up to," Neeld said. "Our focus is purely on us and what we want to do and the way we want to play. We're in a certain developmental phase and we're concentrating on that so I did not go there with the players."

More to come