Tigers won’t add fuel to fire

Dimma’s headache

TOM Lynch’s teammates have tried to take the spice out of Friday’s qualifying final after Brisbane hardnut Mitch Robinson called Lynch a “wanker” in the aftermath of this year’s fiery Round 10 contest.

Lynch did not play in Richmond’s intra-club match on Friday and first must prove his fitness before he is allowed a crack at Robinson.

But Lynch ran at top speed on Saturday and will partake in today’s skills session as optimism that he, like opponent Harris Andrews, will make an accelerated return from a hamstring tear.

Jack Riewoldt said Richmond’s most notable injury was coach Damien Hardwick’s headache at selection, with Dion Prestia (ankle) and Shai Bolton (calf) certain to return.

Prestia suffered complications in his recovery from syndesmosis and has not played since Round 5, but got through Friday’s practice match and will replace Jack Ross.

Jake Aarts (shoulder) has been given the all-clear while Josh Caddy (knee) is expected to be fit, although could still be squeezed out of the 22.

Depth player Jack Higgins (calf) won’t be ready until the second week of the finals. “One of the injuries we don’t speak about is the headache Dimma’s going to have when it comes to selection,” Riewoldt said.

“Shai and Dion are certainly right to play and then Lynch will be a call.

“We’ve got arguably the best hamstring expert in Australia in Anthony Schache, our physiotherapist who will probably make the final call on it.”

Lynch was fined $500 (misconduct) for shoving Lion Alex Witherden’s head towards the ground in Round 10, which has repeatedly fired Robinson up.

“He went to a premiership team and thinks he’s that good,” Robinson said while playing video games after that match.

“He just does my head He’s a wanker.”

Tiger Dylan Grimes said yesterday: “No doubt they’ll (Lynch and Robinson) cross paths and I think they’ll shake hands and give each other a wink, to be honest.” in.