Richmond draftee Liam Fawcett has returned to South Australia just days after landing at Punt Road as he battles glandular fever.
Fawcett was selected by the Tigers with Pick 43 at the National Draft last Tuesday evening, with the Central District product joining fellow South Australian Kane McAuliffe in heading to Richmond following the draft.
The 197cm key forward had his first day at the club last Friday and was given the No.37 jumper in the yellow and black, with the teenager having since returned home amid a case of glandular fever.
Richmond confirmed on Monday that their new recruit will spend time away from the club for the foreseeable future as he recovers from the virus.
"Draftee Liam Fawcett has returned home to Adelaide while he recovers from Glandular Fever," a club post read.
"Get well, Liam. We will see you back at Tigerland soon."
Fawcett booted 32 goals from 16 games for Central District's U18s side this year and would make a pair of appearances for his state at the National Championships, where he'd amass a return of a goal per game.
The Pooraka and Golden Grove junior was set to join an undermanned tall forward contingent under new Tigers coach Adem Yze, who will be looking to fill the void left by retired club great Jack Riewoldt.
Richmond attained Hawks forward Jacob Koschitzke through the recent trade period and will look to have best and fairest winner Tom Lynch back in their plans after a lengthy injury battle for their spearhead this year.
The Tigers could also call on emerging ruckman Samson Ryan to help in the forward third, while swingman Noah Balta is another who could be positioned as an attacking target.
Richmond are set to open their 2024 campaign against the Gold Coast Suns in Queensland as part of the Opening Round draw, with the Victorian powerhouse set to face their former mentor in Damien Hardwick, who has taken the senior coaching reins at the Suns.
The Tigers will return to Victoria the following week for a clash with Carlton to open Round 1.
