Early call rules out Graham in decider

RICHMOND midfielder Jack Graham has been ruled out of Saturday’s AFL Grand Final after dislocating his shoulder in the preliminary final.

The Tigers confirmed yesterday afternoon the risk of redislocation was too great for Graham to play at the MCG on Saturday.

“We’re so proud of Jack for playing on after he was injured on Friday night, he is the ultimate team man,” said Richmond general manager of football Neil Balme.

“He has tried his hardest to be available and we commend him for that, but there’s a high probability that he will reinjure himself in Saturday’s game, which has influenced our decision.

“While he may not be out there, his contribution to the team this season has been invaluable.”

Graham injured his shoulder in the first term of the preliminary final but returned to the field to play out the game against Geelong.

The 21-year-old is already a premiership player, having kicked three goals in the 2017 Grand Final.

The Tigers have a number of options available as potential replacements for Graham, who has played 16 games this year.

Midfielder Jack Ross — who shapes as a like-for-like replacement — and Kamdyn McIntosh were withdrawn from Sunday’s VFL grand final as injury cover for Graham and defender Nathan Broad, who is looking to prove his fitness after suffering a concussion against the Cats.

The Tigers could also swing a bold move and hand a debut to mid-season recruit Marlion Pickett, who was best on ground in the VFL decider with 20 disposals, nine tackles and a goal.