Dion Prestia’s return to Richmond’s senior side, following a three-month stint on the sidelines through injury, was one of the highlights of last night’s qualifying final from a Yellow and Black perspective.
Prestia hadn’t played since damaging his syndesmosis in the Round 5 clash with Melbourne at the MCG on July 5.
After undergoing surgery, he subsequently contracted a serious golden staph infection, which required him to be hospitalised for a week.
At one stage, Prestia’s hopes of returning in season 2020 appeared dashed, but he displayed his customary resilience to work his way back into the Tigers’ line-up for the qualifying final encounter with Brisbane at the Gabba.
And, he was one of Richmond’s best players on the night, finishing with 20 disposals (the second-most by a Tiger in the match), three inside-50s, four tackles and 223 metres gained.
The reigning Jack Dyer Medallist and star midfielder will be better for the run, too, which is good news for the Tigers as they prepare for their do-or-die semi-final clash.
