2003 Wizard Cup Round 1

2003 Wizard Cup, Round 1
Richmond vs Melbourne
Friday, 21 February
Venue: Docklands
Attendance: 16,990

Melbourne win by 43 points

In their red away strip for the first time, and in the first game under the new 'experimental' rules, Melbourne piled on 5.3 to nothing in the second term to ensure they would be the first side to have a win in 2003.

Matthew Whelan moved into the midfield, where he was joined by Guy Rigoni and Scott Thompson. In the absence of knee injury victims Troy Broadbridge and Alistair Nicholson the inexperienced Brad Miller and Ryan Ferguson were good in defence against dangerous Tigers pair Matthew Richardson and Brad Ottens.

Paul Wheatley became the first player to kick a 9 point goal during the first quarter, after receiving a handball from Jeff White and he added a second long goal in the third term. At the other end Richmond were held scoreless, setting up a matchwinning lead for the Demons.

Best were Bruce, Wheatley and Thompson. David Neitz was goalless, but Bruce booted three. Brad Green hurt his shoulder in a clash with a Tiger opponent but he was later cleared of any serious damage.

Media
"Demons in summer cruise" - The Age 22/03/2003
"Demons thrash Tigers in AFL opener" - The Age 22/02/2003