Tigers buy into fairytale repeat
FLAG hero Dion Prestia believes Richmond can replicate its stirring premiership feats again this year, despite the likely absence of hamstrung star Tom Lynch for up to a month.
The Tigers take on Sydney on Friday with Lynch (hamstring) and Kane Lambert (hip) out but Jack Graham (toe) a certainty to return.
Richmond is hoping scans show Lynch’s injury is only minor but if it is a recurrence of his pre-season hamstring tear, the Tigers will be determined not to rush him back.
Richmond has a bye after the Swans clash and then takes on Port Adelaide, with no obvious replacement for Lynch.
Sydney Stack (three VFL goals) will be strongly considered, while the club’s fifth selection last year in Judson Clarke (pick 30) is closing in on a debut as a half-forward.
Prestia revealed on Sunday the Tigers had deliberately attempted to speed up their ball movement to improve delivery to Lynch and Jack Riewoldt.
Now Riewoldt will have to again fly the flag as a sole key forward while the Tigers rotate one of their ruckmen through a key forward post.
Lambert will have a fortnight’s break as he manages a hip injury that has Richmond’s coaches and medicos in awe of his capacity to play with pain.
Prestia told ABC Radio the Tigers’ campaign had a similar vibe to premiership triumphs.
“It feels pretty similar to 2019, we were about 7-8 at the bye and we ended up winning every game from there,” he said. “It was a similar story in 2017, we got to the bye and only lost two games in the last 12, so it definitely feels the same. I don’t think we had anyone in the rehab group two weeks ago.
“We have added a few with Tom Lynch and Noah Balta but I just think we have been able to stay pretty healthy throughout my time at Richmond and it helps a lot.
“We have changed our style of play over the last few weeks, going a bit quicker to get it into Jack and Lynchy so they can go one-on-one so giving us the licence has helped a bit.”
He said Maurice Rioli Jr, who again set the MCG alight with two goals and five tackles, was also benefiting from the swifter ball movement.
“He is pretty cheeky with that big smile and I think he has just been given the opportunity,” Prestia said.
“He was playing pretty good pressure with his footy and since he’s come in it’s chase-down tackles and setting goals. He has only played five games and the more he plays the more confidence he will get. Our fast game style suits him perfectly and it is great to see him playing great footy.”
Coach Damien Hardwick said Graham was certain to return after a painful toe injury.