Grimes rejoined Richmond’s main training group yesterday (Thursday), and still has his sights set on playing in the opening round blockbuster against Carlton.
“It was a bit wet, but it was finally good to get out there, dust off the boots and have a bit of a run around,” he told ‘Roar Vision’.
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“I was feeling pretty good a couple of weeks ago and felt like I could have trained, but it was the fitness staff’s decision to hold me back just a little bit longer and make sure that the hamstrings were in good nick.”
The 21-year-old, who has been plagued with hamstring trouble over the past couple of years, pulled up well from his first-up 2013 session with the main group and is looking forward to taking the next step on the comeback trail.
“I feel really good . . . no issues whatsoever. The ‘hammies’ are feeling great, and the rest of the body’s feeling really good as well, so I’m just hoping to get some game time in before Round 1.”
“I think I’m tracking along nicely . . . I’ll be available for selection in that time period, but there’s still a lot of water to go under the bridge between now and then.
“There’s quite a bit of depth out there, so it won’t be a case of slotting straight back in. I think I’ll have to work for a spot, with the tall defenders in ‘Chappy’ (Troy Chaplin), Dave Astbury, Ben Griffiths, along with ’Rancey’ (Alex Rance).
“It’ll be a lot of competition for spots down here this year.
“I’m really hoping to get some games in the latter half of the NAB series. That’s my main focus at the moment – to just get through those games, find some form early on and, hopefully, put my hand up for Round 1 selection.”
