BUILT TIGER TOUGH
Houli backs Ross for GF spot, as key Giant makes key sacrifice
STAR Tiger Bachar Houli says teammate Jack Ross is “built for AFL football” as Richmond prepares to solve its Grand Final selection dilemma today.
The Tigers will name a replacement for injured Jack Graham tonight, likely to come from seven-gamer Ross, defender Kamdyn McIntosh or potential debutant Marlion Pickett.
Houli said Ross was a very similar prospect to Graham.
In a defining day for players in contention, GWS foundation star Stephen Coniglio yesterday sacrificed his spot after failing to adequately pass training. Coniglio was given the right to decide his own destiny, yet opted to pull out, unable to risk letting his teammates down on the biggest day in club history.
But Lachie Whitfield was declared fit to return after having his appendix removed only last week.
RICHMOND premiership star Bachar Houli has backed first-year player Jack Ross to follow in the footsteps of Jack Graham to play a key role on the grand final stage.
Ross is the leading candidate to replace Graham after he was ruled out on Tuesday with a dislocated shoulder.
While heartbreaking for Graham, he at least has the fond memories of playing in the Tigers’ 2017 premiership side in just his fifth senior appearance.
Ross, 19, has impressed in seven AFL matches in his debut season and could also play in an AFL Grand Final before his career games tally hits double digits.
“He’s built for AFL football … we saw him come in before he hurt his ankle and he was a solid performer,” Houli said.
“He was accumulating possessions and more importantly it was his hardness at the football, that’s what finals football is built upon.
“It’s about contested ball, putting your body on the line and sacrificing for your teammates.
“He’s very similar to Jacky Graham as well. Does he come in? Him and Jack are similar players, but I’m sure whoever comes in will be well prepared and well supported by the rest of the playing group.”
Ross and Kamdyn McIntosh were kept out of the victorious VFL grand final team to remain fresh if needed at AFL level, while Sydney Stack and Marlion Pickett are also in the conversation to play against GWS.
The Tigers are set to make just one change to their line-up after Nathan Broad was given the green light to play.
Broad was knocked out in the third quarter of the preliminary final win on Friday night, but coach Damien Hardwick has confirmed the defender has been cleared to take his place in the back six.
If Richmond is good enough to win a second grand final in three years, Houli would love to see absent teammates like Graham, Jack Higgins and Alex Rance presented with premiership medals.
Stephen Coniglio, Brett Deledio and Callan Ward would be equally deserving of medals should GWS break through for a premiership.
“Premierships aren’t won based on 22 players who take the field — it’s a well-earned collective performance from the wider organisation,” Houli said.