One of the key highlights of Richmond’s intra-club practice match at Punt Road last Saturday morning was the impressive return to the playing field of Ivan Soldo.
The 2019 Tiger premiership ruckman, sidelined since rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the Round 17, 2020 match against Geelong at Metricon Stadium, moved freely throughout the trial and had a good battle with the Club’s new co-captain Toby Nankervis.
Soldo was typically robust competing in the ruck contests, but also exerted his influence around the ground with some strong marks and a long, set-shot goal.
Richmond assistant coach Andrew McQualter echoed the sentiments of the Club’s coaching staff, playing group, and the Tiger Army with his post-game, press-conference comments about Soldo.
“He’s the forgotten man . . . he hasn’t played for 18 months now. But he’s only 25 years old, with lots of upside still,” McQualter said.
“For him, it’s just great to play again . . . Get the confidence in his body again and relationship with Toby (Nankervis).
“I know they tried to belt each other today but going forward they’ll be working in tandem.”
