Richmond will confront their poor Marvel Stadium kind with out star Dustin Martin in Friday evening’s must-win AFL conflict with the Western Bulldogs.
While Tigers coach Andrew McQualter had introduced on Thursday morning that fellow veteran Trent Cotchin was out due to their five-day turnaround, there was no indication till groups had been named a couple of hours later that Martin was additionally being managed and would miss the large sport.
McQualter’s feedback about Martin in his pre-game media convention had been glowing.
“Dustin has had a great season. We know he’s had his challenges over the last couple of years, but he’s just in a terrific space,” McQualter mentioned.
Martin’s absence is a significant blow for the Tigers, whose loss to Melbourne final Sunday meant they’re half a sport exterior the highest eight with 4 rounds left.
The Bulldogs are eighth after their slim loss final Saturday to GWS.
While Richmond have gained six of their final eight matches, none of them have been on the Docklands venue.
This would be the Tigers’ first sport at Marvel Stadium since spherical seven, once they suffered an upset loss to Gold Coast.
Their final six video games on the venue are a draw and 5 losses. To McQualter, the reason being apparent.
“Yeah, Dimma,” he joked about his predecessor Damien Hardwick.
“I love playing footy at Marvel … a long time ago.
“It’s an incredible stadium, assured situations, what you are going to get. We’re actually excited concerning the alternative tomorrow evening.”
The Bulldogs have regained Liam Jones from a broken arm and Ed Richards from illness to bolster their defence.
They have lost Josh Bruce, Alex Keath and Ryan Gardner to injury, while the Tigers have regained co-captain Toby Nankervis from suspension and Jayden Short from injury.
Friday night is also a big occasion for field umpire Brett Rosebury.
It will be his 503rd game, meaning he breaks the VFL/AFL all-time record that fellow field umpire Shane McInerney set four years ago.
“Brett is a drive in our sport, on-field and off. He’s an incredible position mannequin amongst the umpires and is somebody who genuinely cares concerning the sport,” AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan said of the nine-time grand final umpire.
“He’s generally known as an incredible umpire with nice rapport with gamers however he is at all times smiling, having enjoyable and bringing an power.
“Individuals change organisations and there’s no doubt Brett has changed the face of umpiring in many ways.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
