Robust forward Jacob Townsend, one of the heroes of Richmond’s 2017 premiership triumph, will not be part of the Tigers’ 2018 September campaign after fracturing his ankle in last Saturday’s VFL clash with Frankston.

“He suffered a fractured fibula from the game, which means he needs surgery this (Monday) afternoon and that’s his season over, unfortunately,” said Richmond’s Physical Performance Manager Peter Burge.

“It’s probably an eight-to-10-week situation from the surgery, so really now it’s just about getting himself right for pre-season.”

Townsend played 10 senior games and kicked 12 goals this season, with his last appearance at AFL level being in the Round 20 victory over Geelong at the MCG.

Meanwhile, there’s more positive news on the injury front for Richmond with premiership pair Dan Butler and Kane Lambert set to resume playing following ankle surgery.

Here’s what Burge told ‘Roar Vision’ about their recovery . . .

Dan Butler

“Dan Butler has resumed training this week . . . full training with the VFL Tuesday night and Thursday night, and he’ll play some minutes on Saturday night (VFL qualifying final v Williamstown). It won’t be a full game, but it’s great news. He’s moving really well and that minor surgery he had two weeks ago has really helped him progress.” 

Kane Lambert

“Kane had the same surgery as Dan Butler and he’s progressing extremely well. He’s running really well at the moment . . . running with good balance, good gait, and he’ll resume training on the weekend with the group. We think he’s a really good chance to play next week (AFL qualifying final v Hawthorn).”

Burge also provided an injury update on several other Richmond players . . .

Oleg Markov, knee

“Oleg is in full training this week and will play this Saturday night (in the VFL), providing he gets through training during the week.”

Mabior Chol, foot

“Mabior’s progressing his conditioning. We’re probably looking at the second week of VFL finals (for his return) at this stage. He’s got a few hurdles to jump over yet, but he’s going really well.”

Shai Bolton, knee

“Shai has started running on the AlterG. We expect that he will progress quite quickly now that he’s starting to move . . . Hopefully we’ll have him outside running on the grass and then progress him back into training. So probably midway through the finals at this stage . . . We just have to see how it goes over the next week.” 

Nathan Drummond, hamstring

“’Drummo’ has resumed running, and running at a good pace now . . . about 70-75 percent. So he is some chance to return during the finals. We look forward to seeing how that goes . . .”