Richmond Tigers

Star Tigers tipped for return, but Dusty no certainty

Richmond coach Damien Hardwick has provided an update on several key figures following Round 2.

Published by
Daniel Marazita

Key Tigers trio Dylan Grimes, Dion Prestia and Jack Riewoldt are all set to make a potential return to action this weekend as Richmond take on St Kilda in Round 3.

Richmond coach Damian Hardwick stated after Sunday's win against GWS that Grimes was rested as a precaution due to mild soreness, but is back to full fitness and a lock for this weekend's matchup against the Saints, while injured duo Nick Vlastuin and Kane Lambert will remain sidelined.

“Dion is a chance, Jack’s a chance, Dylan will play,” Hardwick said.

“He [Grimes] was just a bit sore, he trained on Saturday but just didn’t feel comfortable, and it's one of those ones where, you know, let's just take the week instead of pushing it and hoping he doesn’t hurt it.”

“The others might be a little bit further away, but I was really pleased with the players we have in the side at the moment.”

Superstar midfielder Dustin Martin still remains out indefinitely due to personal reasons. Hardwick remains uncertain on when the midfielder will make his return to the game.

"Do we want to see him playing? Yeah, but it is what it is,” Hardwick said.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Dustin Martin of the Tigers looks dejected after a loss during the 2021 AFL Round 08 match between the Richmond Tigers and the Geelong Cats at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 07, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

“I’ve got no clarity, as I said it’s a personal issue and we’ll leave it at that.”

The Tigers rebounded from their disappointing Round 1 loss to Carlton by beating the Giants by 36 points in what was a convincing performance.

Noah Balta and Tom Lynch made for a formidable forward duo, while skipper Trent Cotchin looked back to his best in midfield. Hardwick was full of praise, highlighting impressive performances from the team in general as well as individual performances from players including Balta, Cotchin, and former Roo Robbie Tarrant.

“Pleased to see some guys play some terrific footy, that’s what’s expected from them,” Hardwick said.

"That's Richmond footy, that's what we love. We're not a kicks, marks, handball side, we just want to reward those behaviours."

The Tigers venture to Marvel Stadium on Sunday to face St Kilda as both clubs look to secure their second win in three weeks.

Published by
Daniel Marazita