Richmond has brought a trio of talented, young players into its line-up for Saturday afternoon’s match against St Kilda at the MCG.
Small forward Jack Higgins, athletic tall forward Callum Moore and dashing defender Connor Menadue have been recalled by the Tigers for the Round 10 clash.
They replace Jason Castagna, who is being rested because of general soreness, while Jacob Townsend and Sam Lloyd have both been omitted.
Get all the game day information for Saturday afternoon's match against St Kilda
Higgins, who has shown some impressive signs in five games during his debut season of AFL football this year, returns after being a late withdrawal from the senior side that lost to West Coast at Optus Stadium last Sunday.
Moore hasn’t been seen at senior league level since making his debut in Round 22, 2016 against St Kilda at the MCG and then playing in the final home-and-away round the following week against Sydney at the SCG.
The 21-year-old has put together a string of strong performances for Richmond’s VFL team this year.
He starred in last Saturday’s convincing victory over Sandringham, prompting the Tigers’ VFL midfield and development coach, Xavier Clarke, to declare: “He was fantastic. He had some really nice jumps at the footy. When he gets a nice, free run-and-jump at the footy, he can take a really nice contested mark. He finished the game with 2.3 and he was really dangerous around the ground with his speed once he hit the ground.”
See St Kilda's team for Saturday afternoon's Round 10 clash at the MCG
Menadue hasn’t played senior football with Richmond since the Round 16 loss to St Kilda last year.
He, too, has been impressive at VFL level in 2018 in his role as a rebounding defender.
The 21-year-old had 23 disposals, seven rebound-50s, four inside-50s and took six marks against Sandringham last Saturday.
“His defensive work was really good and his run-and-carry and his ball use off half-back was really a highlight of his game. His speed and breaking the lines was very good,” Clarke said.
Richmond’s four emergencies for Saturday’s match are Ivan Soldo, Ryan Garthwaite, Brandon Ellis and Liam Baker.
