Richmond coach Damien Hardwick confirmed that popular rookie Maurice Rioli will play in Round 10, while there were updates on Jason Horne-Francis, Jye Caldwell, Josh Ward and Nathan O’Driscoll.
UPDATES
Maurice Rioli (AF $288k SC $167k M/F) has named as a confirmed starter by Richmond coach Damien Hardwick for the Dreamtime at the ‘G clash against Essendon on Saturday night. Rioli’s job security seemed shaky after a poor Round 9 game.
However, Hardwick told reporters on Tuesday: “He’ll play. He was probably a little bit quieter last week but defensively he’s just elite at what he does. When he’s playing, people see ghosts.
“Although he was a bit quieter we think he’ll be much better this week. He’s important to the way we play, it’s no coincidence we’ve started to play a more Richmond style once he’s been in the side.”
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Josh Gibcus (AF $401k SC $327k DEF) will also come into contention after health and safety protocols, with Noah Balta confirmed out. Hardwick said: “Tomorrow (Wednesday) he’s definitely out (of H&S protocols). He’ll put his hand up to play. We’ve just got to assess how those guys are. Young kid as well. Sometimes guys take a bit longer to respond after the Covid bout.”
Jason Horne-Francis (AF $509k SC $314k MID) is in the mix to return after hamstring tightness ruled him out last weekend. North Football GM Dan McPherson said: “He was sore in training earlier in the week last week.
“We didn’t want to take too many risks with him, we’d rather he miss one than four or five (weeks). If he gets through training, he’ll be available next week.”
Tristan Xerri (AF $523k SC $346k R/F) is on the cusp of an early return from his foot injury. McPherson said: “He’s recovered much more quickly than we thought. He’ll train tomorrow and provided he gets through that he’ll be available to play next weekend.”
Scott Pendlebury (AF $714k SC $544k D/M) looks set to be available to return after being a late out with illness. Collingwood High Performance Manager Jarrod Wade said: “Came in this morning and trained, weights, on-field, feeling 100%. Will be available this week.”
Hawthorn’s Josh Ward (AF $411k SC $248k MID) will not play in Round 10 with the club confirming he had suffered a concussion playing for Box Hill in the VFL on Sunday.
Finn Callaghan (AF $385k SC $250k MID) is set to miss two weeks after picking up a shoulder injury and playing on. Giants Head of Medical James Rahme said: “Finn’s shoulder popped back out during the game. We’ll need to manage the injury given it’s come out again so he’ll rest up for the next few weeks and be ready to go after the bye.”
Christian Salem (AF $717k SC $514k DEF) is listed as one week by Melbourne with his knee injury. Melbourne High Performance Manager Selwyn Griffith said: “Continues to progress well through his knee rehab and is integrating into skills with the group.”
Andrew Gaff (AF $736k SC $444k MID) is in the mix to return for West Coast. Eagles Head of Health Mark Finucane said: “Andrew will be a test this week. He’s progressed really well after a little grab in his quad last week, which was on the very minor end. He’s just got to train later in the week to show his fitness for the weekend.
Essendon revealed that the shoulder injury sustained by Jye Caldwell (AF $572k SC $375k MID) is not too bad and he’s not been ruled out this week. Dons Executive Football GM Josh Mahoney said: “We will wait to see how Jye’s shoulder injury settles over the coming days before we determine his availability for selection this weekend.”
Fremantle have confirmed a lengthy stint on the sidelines for Nathan O’Driscoll (AF $464k SC $296k D/M). Dockers Executive Football GM Peter Bell said: “He has a stress fracture in his foot which we feel like we’ve got reasonably early, but he is going to be out for a period of time. Hopefully, we’ll see him back later in the season.”
Dockers coach Justin Longmuir also gave an update on the back injury to Nat Fyfe (AF $709k SC $546k MID) on 7NewsPerth. He said: “Touch and go for the Melbourne game. We’d need a couple of good solid weeks of contact work into him. He’ll be touch and go for the week after. That’s been the plan all along, the Brisbane game.”
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