Richmond’s rising star defender Dylan Grimes took another significant step on the comeback trail from his hamstring trouble, when he came through half a practice match for VFL team Coburg at the weekend unscathed.

It was the first game back for Grimes, who underwent his most recent bout of hamstring surgery late last year.

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“Dylan played well defensively for his half of football, but looked a little rusty when we had the ball,” said Coburg’s coach and Richmond development coach Tim Clarke.

“This composure with the football will come over the next few weeks, leading into his AFL return.

“It was great to see his defensive intensity back on the field.”

Another promising young Tiger to return to the field of battle for Coburg on the weekend was Brad Helbig, who has been plagued with foot problems over the past 12 months.  Helbig also played the first half, before being rested.

“Brad was aggressive around stoppages and won some good inside football,” Clarke said.

“He linked up well for handball and kicked a great goal in the first quarter from a strong defensive mark.”

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Richmond-listed players Matt Arnot, Chris Knights and Orren Stephenson were standouts for Coburg in its 11-point win against Werribee.

“Matt Arnot  (12 kicks, 16 handballs, five marks, one goal) was one of the best players on the ground with huge contested possession numbers and great run and carry from contests,” Clarke said.

“His tackling and body work was a huge factor in the team winning the game.  He kicked a superb goal from the centre bounce in the last quarter, which put the team in a better position to win . . .

“Chris Knights (11 kicks, 17 handballs, seven marks) was terrific with his run and carry and also linked up well from stoppages.  He had a heap of the football for his three quarters . . .

“’Big O’ (Orren Stephenson, 10 kicks, three handballs, four marks, 45 hit-outs) was excellent and one of the best afield.  He shouldered most of the ruck burden once Tom Derickx was rested at half-time.  He dominated the hit-outs and provided great support in the air with some chop-out marks.”