Key Richmond players Dustin Martin and Nick Vlastuin will return to the Tigers’ line-up for tomorrow night’s Grand Final rematch against Geelong.
Martin has completed the mandatory 12-day concussion period and trained well this week, while Vlastuin will play his first game since Round 1 having overcome a knee injury.
Making way for the pair is Dylan Grimes (concussion) and skipper Trent Cotchin (hamstring).
Patrick Naish, who came on in the dying stages of last week’s win as the medical substitute, has been named among the emergencies for Friday night along with untried youngster Hugo Ralphsmith, Callum Coleman-Jones, and Will Martyn.
The contest will be rookie list success stories, and now dual premiership stars Jayden Short (100) and Liam Baker’s (50) milestone games.
Speaking at his weekly media conference, senior coach Damien Hardwick said both players had been terrific.
“It has taken them a little bit of time to find their feet at AFL level, but Jayden obviously was rewarded with best and fairest last year, and Liam Baker just improves every game we play,” he added.
“It probably epitomises what Richmond is all about I think… Guys that come in with relatively low fuss but are incredibly important to the way we play the game and are incredibly important people on the field and off it as well.
“I could not be prouder of those two boys.”
Tomorrow’s match will be broadcast live on Channel 7, FOX FOOTY, and Kayo. The game commences at 7.50pm.
Richmond team v Geelong, Friday, May 7, 7.50pm AEST, MCG
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Backs |
David Astbury |
12 |
Noah Balta |
21 |
Nathan Broad |
35 |
Half-Backs |
Nick Vlastuin |
1 |
Bachar Houli |
14 |
Jayden Short |
15 |
Centreline |
Kamdyn McIntosh |
33 |
Dustin Martin |
4 |
Jack Ross |
5 |
Half-Forwards |
Daniel Rioli |
17 |
Liam Baker |
7 |
Jake Aarts |
16 |
Forwards |
Tom Lynch |
19 |
Shai Bolton |
29 |
Jack Riewoldt |
8 |
Followers |
Toby Nankervis |
25 |
Marlion Pickett |
50 |
Shane Edwards |
10 |
Interchange From: |
Rhyan Mansell |
31 |
Riley Collier-Dawkins |
26 |
Jason Castagna |
11 |
|
Jack Graham |
34 |
|
|
|
|
Emergencies |
Patrick Naish |
6 |
Hugo Ralphsmith |
45 |
Callum Coleman-Jones |
40 |
|
Will Martyn |
36 |
|
|
|
|
In: Nick Vlastin, Dustin Martin
Out: Dylan Grimes (concussion), Trent Cotchin (hamstring), Patrick Naish (omitted)
Milestones: Jayden Short – 100 games, Liam Baker – 50 games
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