Richmond coach Adem Yze has looked to explain the circumstances behind midfielder Jacob Hopper's decision to remain on the field despite a seemingly evident hamstring injury.
Hopper looked to have hurt his left hamstring during the third term of the game and was visibly in discomfort, with the former Giants onballer shaking off medical staff to continue in the match.
The 27-year-old clinched at his hamstring on multiple occasions before eventually coming from the field, with Hopper frustrated and seen to kick the interchange bench.
The Tigers' trainers took Hopper to their rooms shortly after, with Hopper subsequently subbed out of the game for Kamdyn McIntosh.
Hopper had been among Richmond's best prior to the setback, recording a team-high 23 disposals in the eventual 43-point defeat.
A frustrated Jacob Hopper has gone down to the rooms with what looks to be hamstring issue.#AFLTigersDees pic.twitter.com/SJjoBuVlJe
— 7AFL (@7AFL) April 24, 2024
Speaking after the loss, Yze said the club is hopeful it's "just a minor tweak" to the hamstring and that the injury was not made worse by the player staying on the field.
Yze explained Hopper had initially thought the issue was from the tape on his knee, which was required given Hopper had returned from a recent arthroscope to play on Wednesday night.,
"I don't think he made it worse (by staying on the field)," Yze said.
"I think it's one of the first games he's played with tape on his knee, so he originally thought it was something to do with the tape. Whether the tape was too tight or things like that.
"He hasn't hurt his hammy before, so he tried to stay out there and run it out. I don't think he's made it any worse, but the fact he had a taped knee made it uncomfortable.
"It's disappointing for the guy. He put a power of work in, trained really hard and made sure he was ready to play. He was pretty important for us early.
"Just feel sorry for him, hopefully it's not a bad one. I think it's just a minor tweak. Hopefully it's a short-term (setback).
"Touch wood, because we're having a bit of trouble with the results of our scans. We'll just wrap our arms around him, if he's going to miss a game or two we'll get behind him."
The latest setback for Hopper further compounds Richmond's horrid injury run to start 2024, with the midfielder joining Tim Taranto (wrist), Tom Lynch (hamstring), Noah Balta (knee), Dion Prestia (hamstring), Jack Ross (foot) and James Trezise (ankle), and others, on the sidelines.
The Tigers are also without Judson Clarke and Josh Gibcus for the remainder of the year due to ACL injuries.
Now 1-6 to start Yze's first campaign at Punt Road, Richmond will be looking to double their win tally next Sunday when they host Fremantle at the MCG.
