Richmond Tigers

Tigers midfielder Marlion Pickett handed suspension for striking

The Richmond speedster is facing a spell on the sidelines 😬

Published by
Mitch Keating

Richmond midfielder Marlion Pickett has been handed a one-game ban by the MRO after being reported for striking Brisbane defender Brandon Starcevich in Friday's loss to the Lions.

Pickett's attempted a tackle on the Lions youngster which resulted in a high hit that floored Starcevich before sparking a melee between the two sides.

The Tigers speedster was reported for striking shortly after the incident and will now face a decision to appeal the ban or miss his side's game against Adelaide next weekend.

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The incident involving Pickett and Starcevich was one of many concerning factors in the Tigers' 28-point defeat to Brisbane, who claimed their sixth win in a row to strengthen their claim for the premiership.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Marlion Pickett of the Tigers clears the bnall during the 2019 Toyota AFL Grand Final match between the Richmond Tigers and the GWS Giants at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The reigning premiers have been plagued with injuries to key figures this season and are set to welcome the return of a wealth of premiership stars for next weekend's clash with Adelaide.

Coach Damien Hardwick revealed post-game that captain Trent Cotchin and gun midfielder Dion Prestia are near-certainties to return to the side in Round 11.

Hardwick also noted that exciting utility Shai Bolton is also in the frame for selection as he battles a wrist injury, stating the 22-year-old is "highly probable".

Veteran midfielder Shane Edwards will need to prove his fitness this weekend if he is to come into consideration for selection to face the Crows.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 07: Shane Edwards of the Tigers leaves the field injured 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)
Published by
Mitch Keating