Richmond has recalled talented, young small forward/emerging midfielder Shai Bolton and speedy utility Connor Menadue for Saturday night’s Round 7 match against the Western Bulldogs at Marvel Stadium.
They replace star key forward Jack Riewoldt, who has been sidelined long-term with a PCL injury and reliable backman David Astbury, who will miss because of a rolled ankle that he suffered in the Anzac Eve victory over Melbourne.
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Bolton impressed in two senior appearances with the Tigers this season – Round 4 v Port Adelaide and Round 5 v Sydney – and was unlucky to be dropped to make way in the Round 6 line-up for Riewoldt’s return.
The slick, quick, 20-year-old subsequently produced a superb performance for Richmond’s VFL team in last Saturday’s win against Casey, playing through the midfield, as well as up forward at times.
He finished the match with 25 disposals, 11 tackles, eight clearances, eight inside 50s and one goal, and earned high praise from Tigers VFL coach Craig McRae in his weekly players’ form appraisal on richmondfc.com.au.
OPPO See the Bulldogs' team for Saturday night's clash at Marvel Stadium
“It was really pleasing for him to come back from AFL football with his attitude, and he returned above the level,” McRae said.
“His defensive pressure is really standing out.
“He looks ready to bounce back into AFL opportunity.”
Menadue’s sole game for the Tigers’ senior side this season was in Round 4 against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
His VFL form since then has been impressive, culminating in a top-class display in the one-point victory over Casey last Saturday (23 disposals, five-rebound-50s, three inside-50s and four marks).
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“(Connor) is another one who returned from AFL playing really good footy,” McRae said.
“He came back and looks a really different player at VFL level.
“His leadership really stood out at different moments of the game . . .”
Richmond’s four emergencies for Saturday night’s clash with the Bulldogs are Dan Butler, Ivan Soldo, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Ryan Garthwaite.
Richmond's Round 7 team:
B Nathan Broad, Nick Vlastuin, Dylan Grimes
HB Sydney Stack, Shane Edwards, Bachar Houli
C Kamdyn McIntosh, Jack Ross, Dion Prestia
HF Daniel Rioli, Josh Caddy, Jason Castagna
F Shai Bolton, Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch
Foll Toby Nankervis, Kane Lambert, Jack Higgins
I/C Brandon Ellis, Connor Menadue, Noah Balta, Liam Baker
Emg Daniel Butler, Ivan Soldo, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Ryan Garthwaite
In: Shai Bolton, Connor Menadue
Out: Jack Riewoldt (knee), David Astbury (ankle)
