Promising, young ruckman Ivan Soldo has been selected by Richmond to make his AFL debut in Saturday night’s Round 7 clash with Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium.
Soldo, who was originally signed by the Tigers as a Category B rookie in 2014, following an impressive basketball career at junior level in Canberra, gained his promotion from the Club’s rookie list to the senior list earlier today.
The 204cm, 106kg, 21-year-old cousin of experienced Richmond ruckman Ivan Maric has made good progress with the Tigers’ VFL team over the past couple of seasons.
He played one JLT Community Series match in the 2017 pre-season – against Collingwood at Moe – finishing with four hit-outs and a goal from just over 20 percent game time. His overall form at VFL level since then has been impressive.
Richmond has made three other changes to the team that lost to Adelaide by 76 points at Adelaide Oval last Sunday evening, with tenacious on-baller Anthony Miles and classy, young midfielder Corey Ellis being included for their first senior appearances this season, and big man Todd Elton recalled.
See how the Western Bulldogs will line up in Saturday night's Round 7 clash at Etihad Stadium
Out of the Tigers’ line-up are midfielder Dion Prestia with a hamstring injury, ruckman Toby Nankervis through suspension, small defender Reece Conca due to a foot injury and backman Steve Morris, who has been omitted.
Richmond’s three emergencies for the Round 7 match are Morris, Sam Lloyd and Taylor Hunt.
The Round 7 Richmond Team
B: Rance, Astbury, Grimes
HB: Short, Houli, B. Ellis
C: McIntosh, Vlastuin, Cotchin
HF: Martin, Rioli, Castagna
F: Riewoldt, Lambert, Butler
R: Elton, Grigg, Caddy
IC: C. Ellis, Miles, Markov, Soldo
Em: Lloyd, Hunt, Morris
In: Miles, C. Ellis, Elton, Soldo
Out: Prestia (hamstring), Nankervis (suspended), Conca (foot), Morris (omitted)
New: Ivan Soldo, 21, 204cm, 106kg ruckman, originally signed by Richmond as a Category B rookie in 2014
Milestone: Trent Cotchin, 100 games as captain
When you're set to make your debut #gotiges pic.twitter.com/1Ea7WirOUD
— Richmond FC (@Richmond_FC) May 4, 2017