Superstar Dustin Martin was “knocked out” by the flu final week however his return together with midfield gun Dion Prestia will considerably increase Richmond’s finals hopes that go on the road in a Thursday evening showdown with Sydney.
Martin missed final week’s 81-point thrashing by the hands of the Brisbane Lions that dropped the Tigers to fifteenth on the ladder, six factors off eighth spot, and a loss to the Swans may finish any hopes of creating the finals.
The Tigers solely managed 5 centre clearances to Brisbane’s 22 and gave up 68 ahead entries as star on-baller Tim Taranto was neutralised by Josh Dunkley and his teammates did not get first fingers on the ball.
Coach Adam McQualter stated Richmond had been “five to 10 per cent” off their greatest and the disappointing efficiency confirmed why they might not look that far forward.
“It’s very easy to lift your eyes and start looking forward too far ahead,” he stated.
“But the reality is the comp is so even this year, and we saw last week … we just weren’t able to compete at the level.”
McQualter stated Martin had been floored by the flu earlier than withdrawing from the Lions conflict however declared him a sure starter on Thursday.
“He was pretty close to playing last week but just didn’t quite get up. He was not feeling well enough … he was able to train our main training session and he’ll be good to go,” McQualter stated.
“He’ll be OK, he’s resilient, and we look forward to having him back.
“Dion (Prestia) got through training two days ago which was great, and at this stage it looks like he will be good to go as well.”
Richmond confirmed on Monday it will blood two debutants, with hard-running Tasmanian Sam Banks and 2022 mid-season draft choice Jacob Bauer to each face the Swans.
A 192cm prospect who can play at both finish of the bottom, Bauer has the uncommon distinction of profitable two VFL video games off his personal boot after the siren this season.
“Not many people get to kick a goal after the siren in their whole career and he’s done it twice in a year,” McQualter stated.
“Just the ability for him to play both ends of the ground we really value … and to be able to stand up under that type of pressure and deliver is a great trait.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
