Tigers’ midfield hampered
Posted by Football NationMar 11. 2009 10:00 am
A couple of key midfield injuries could see Richmond struggle in the early rounds of 2009, despite the much vaunted addition of Ben Cousins to the Tigers’ on-ball brigade.
Last year’s captain Kane Johnson has undergone knee surgery and is not likely to play before round five, and emerging talent Trent Cotchin has been sidelined by a persistent achilles injury and probably want run out for Richmond until round eight.
Cotchin’s injury has been particularly difficult for the club to manage, because the nature of the problem makes it hard to accurately predict a comeback date.
Both players are expected to return through the Richmond VFL affiliate, Coburg.
Johnson’s injury was sustained just last week in the Tigers’ NAB Cup loss to Collingwood, and he is now recovering from an arthroscope.
There is every chance that Richmond will promote a rookie to the senior list because Kane Pettifer will remain on the long-term injury list until round three.
Nippy forward Robin Nahas could be given the nod, based on his success at VFL level last year and some good efforts in the preseason, but Jarrod Silvester has also done a solid role in the Tigers’ defence and could get the call up.
Tags: football, NAB Cup, season 2009
Filled under: Richmond
