Dion Prestia further enhanced his reputation for having an instant impact when returning to the Richmond line-up with a top-class performance against Hawthorn at the MCG last Saturday.
The triple Tiger premiership star midfielder has had a frustrating injury run since joining the Club from Gold Coast during the AFL’s 2016 trade period, missing 42 out of a possible 126 games.
But almost every time he has come back into the team, from a stint on the sidelines, he’s immediately hit his straps.
The Round 9 clash with the Hawks was a classic example of Prestia’s capacity to straight away pick up where he left off form-wise.
After missing the previous week’s match against Collingwood because of illness, Prestia had a game-high 28 disposals, nine contested possessions, an equal game-high eight clearances, four centre clearances, seven inside-50s, 11 score involvements and 510 metres gained.
“It was nice having a week off and not be injured or anything like that, just actually have a rest,” Prestia told ‘Richmond Media’ post-game.
“I was excited to come back in, I felt fresh during the week . . .
“My body feels really good, finally, and hopefully I can just continue on.”
Here is a snapshot of Prestia’s form following a lay-off throughout his time at Tigerland . . .
2017
Missed Round 7-8. Returned v Greater Western Sydney, Round 9, GIANTS Stadium – 20 disposals, nine contested possessions, four inside-50s.
Missed Round 19. Returned v Hawthorn, Round 20, MCG – 31 disposals, 13 contested possessions, one goal, two Brownlow Medal votes.
2018
Missed Round 1-3. Returned v Brisbane, Round 4, MCG – 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, seven clearances.
Missed Round 8-14. Returned v Sydney, Round 15, Marvel Stadium – 24 disposals, eight contested possessions.
Missed Round 20. Returned v Gold Coast, Round 21, Metricon Stadium – 23 disposals, five inside-50s, five clearances.
Missed Round 22. Returned v Western Bulldogs, Round 23, MCG – 28 disposals, 11 contested possessions, seven inside-50s, six clearances.
2020
Missed Round 6-17. Returned v Brisbane, qualifying final, Gabba – 20 disposals, seven contested possessions.
2021
Missed Round 4-10. Returned v Adelaide, Round 11, GIANTS Stadium – 19 disposals, 11 contested possessions.
Missed Round 13-14. Returned v St Kilda, Round 15, MCG – 16 disposals, mine contested possessions.
Missed Round 16-19. Returned v Fremantle, Round 20, Optus Stadium – 31 disposals, 10 contested possessions.
2022
Missed Round 2-3. Returned v Western Bulldogs, Round 4, MCG – 30 disposals, nine contested possessions, one goal.
Missed Round 8. Returned v Hawthorn, Round 9, MCG – 28 disposals, nine contested possessions.
