Heartbreak for injured Graham

RICHMOND midfielder Jack Graham has been ruled out of the grand final clash with GWS, with the risk of him dislocating his shoulder again deemed too great.

Graham showed enormous character and courage in playing out Friday’s preliminary final against Geelong, despite dislocating his shoulder on five occasions.

The 21-year-old went through his paces in a light training session yesterday — with his right shoulder heavily strapped — but failed to complete a few training drills.

Earlier, teammate Dylan Grimes told the media Graham had forecast that he expected to play, but after consulting with the club’s medical staff, the young Tiger was told the risk of re-dislocation meant he had to be ruled out.

Part of that came down to the fact that Graham — who played in the 2017 flag in only his fifth senior game — bases much of his game on his tackling and contest work.

It potentially opens the door for Jack Ross — who has played only seven games — to return to the senior side, with he and Kamdyn McIntosh left out of the VFL grand final on Sunday and on standby to play if required.

Others in consideration include Sydney Stack, who returned from injury in the VFL playoff and shone in 17 AFL games this year, and Norm Goss Medal winner Marlion Pickett, who is yet to make his AFL debut, but has an X-factor the Tigers could be tempted to call upon.

Richmond general manager of football Neil Balme said the club would never forget Graham’s contribution in helping the club qualify for the premiership playoff.

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

“He has tried his hardest to be available to play … and we commend him for that, but there’s a high probability that he will re-injure himself.”