Ankle injuries saw both North Melbourne and Richmond forced into sub changes during Saturday's clash at Marvel Stadium, with a Kangaroos recruit and a Tigers rookie both ruled out in the third term.
Roos midfielder Dylan Stephens was hampered by an ankle injury during the first half but managed to return to the field following some assessment from medical staff.
North Melbourne eventually decided to put the former Swan on ice for the remainder of the match during the third quarter, with Stephens replaced by tactical sub Robert Hansen less than 10 minutes into the second half.
The 23-year-old has played seven straight games under Alastair Clarkson after breaking back into the senior side at Arden Street, with Stephens enduring a difficult first season in the blue and white to have one win to his name at his new club.
Richmond were also dealt with their own injury woes as first-year forward Steely Green was subbed out of the contest with a right ankle concern.
Green limped off the field in the third quarter and was quickly ruled out of returning to the field, with the Tigers pulling the trigger on their sub change to have veteran wingman Kamdyn McIntosh brought into the match.
The young Tiger had shown positive signs in his sixth game for Richmond, booting the opening goal of the day after chasing down Kangaroos defender Colby McKercher and converting his free-kick in front of goal.
Green had six touches and two tackles to go with his goal before being replaced in the match due to the injury.
