Richmond tough-nut Liam Baker is in a race to be handed match for subsequent month’s AFL season opener towards Carlton after having surgical procedure to take away his appendix.
Baker was considered one of a number of premiership stars who sat out the Tigers’ coaching session on Saturday, watching from the sidelines at Punt Road Oval.
Tom Lynch (foot), Jack Graham (toe) and Ivan Soldo (again soreness) have been all stored out of the motion, as was younger defender Josh Gibcus (hamstring).
Defender Nathan Broad and small ahead Jason Castagna have been restricted to operating drills as they get well from hamstring points.
Baker is predicted to renew gentle duties subsequent week and can miss Friday’s match simulation towards North Melbourne.
But the 25-year-old could possibly be able to tackle Melbourne within the Tigers’ last apply match on March 4, earlier than the MCG showdown with arch-rivals Carlton on March 16.
“(Baker) woke up feeling pretty sore in the stomach over the weekend and had it investigated and unfortunately he had to have his appendix out,” Richmond assistant coach Xavier Clarke advised reporters on Saturday.
“But Bakes is pretty tough and he’s going to be ready for round one, there’s no doubt.
“We’ve all seen the way in which he performs. If he had his manner, he’d in all probability be on the market coaching (now).
“But he’ll rest up and he’ll be fine in the coming weeks.”
Lynch gained Richmond’s best-and-fairest award final season and topped the membership’s goal-kicking for the second time.
The 30-year-old spearhead is on monitor to face the Blues in spherical one however will not be match to play any apply matches within the build-up.
“He’s getting back gradually into training,” Clarke stated.
“Last week he started drip-feeding into some of our drills and again today.
“He needs to be absolutely into coaching subsequent week, so he’ll be out there for spherical one.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
