Richardson may ruck
25 July 2003 AFL
By GEOFF POULTER
RICHMOND'S costly loss of Greg Stafford could mean more on-ball work for forward Matthew Richardson.
Stafford will miss one to two matches after damaging a hamstring at training on Wednesday.
He is one of five Tiger changes for the clash with the Bulldogs at Telstra Dome tomorrow night.
His loss has opened the way for those who have called for Richo to be used up the ground to get their way.
Against Collingwood last week Richo impressed after being moved into the centre square in the last quarter, collecting seven possessions and kicking a goal.
"He may have to do some ruckwork at some stage," football manager Greg Hutchison said last night. "He has done it before in the forward line, so at some stage he is going to have to.
"We have (Brad) Ottens, who would find it difficult to ruck one-out all day against (Luke) Darcy, and if they throw a (Daniel) Bandy at him, I imagine it would be pretty hard.
"Richo's going to have to do some work there. (Those calling for the move) might all get their wish."
Richmond has also lost Rory Hilton for about three weeks with broken ribs. But Hutchison said the returning Kane Johnson (hamstring) and Leon Cameron (knee) would not need fitness tests today.
"They are fine," he said.
The Tigers brought in veteran Duncan Kellaway, draftee Jay Schulz and first-gamer Marty McGrath, dropping Matthew Rogers, Chris Hyde and Marc Dragicevic.
"We thought it was an opportunity for McGrath and Schulz to play, given that their form had been fairly good in the VFL," Hutchison said.
"(They are) a couple of young boys that the future of the footy club may be based around."
25 July 2003 AFL
By GEOFF POULTER
RICHMOND'S costly loss of Greg Stafford could mean more on-ball work for forward Matthew Richardson.
Stafford will miss one to two matches after damaging a hamstring at training on Wednesday.
He is one of five Tiger changes for the clash with the Bulldogs at Telstra Dome tomorrow night.
His loss has opened the way for those who have called for Richo to be used up the ground to get their way.
Against Collingwood last week Richo impressed after being moved into the centre square in the last quarter, collecting seven possessions and kicking a goal.
"He may have to do some ruckwork at some stage," football manager Greg Hutchison said last night. "He has done it before in the forward line, so at some stage he is going to have to.
"We have (Brad) Ottens, who would find it difficult to ruck one-out all day against (Luke) Darcy, and if they throw a (Daniel) Bandy at him, I imagine it would be pretty hard.
"Richo's going to have to do some work there. (Those calling for the move) might all get their wish."
Richmond has also lost Rory Hilton for about three weeks with broken ribs. But Hutchison said the returning Kane Johnson (hamstring) and Leon Cameron (knee) would not need fitness tests today.
"They are fine," he said.
The Tigers brought in veteran Duncan Kellaway, draftee Jay Schulz and first-gamer Marty McGrath, dropping Matthew Rogers, Chris Hyde and Marc Dragicevic.
"We thought it was an opportunity for McGrath and Schulz to play, given that their form had been fairly good in the VFL," Hutchison said.
"(They are) a couple of young boys that the future of the footy club may be based around."
