Star Tigers duo to miss blockbuster
Richmond has ruled important duo Dustin Martin and Jacob Hopper out of its blockbuster Friday night clash against Collingwood at the MCG.
Martin will miss the game due to general soreness, after he was subbed out during the Tigers’ win in Adelaide, while Hopper has a knee complaint.
A Richmond spokesperson said both players were expected to be available for round 4.
The Tigers also put a line through Jayden Short earlier in the week, with the long-kicking wingman battling a calf issue.
Collingwood forward Brody Mihocek is yet to be ruled out but has a fight on his hands to be ready for the game.
Mihocek was subbed off in the final quarter of the Magpies’ emphatic 71-point win over Port Adelaide after he came from the field holding the finger.
Collingwood high performance manager Jarrod Wade said the Magpies were “hopeful” Mihocek would be able to take his place in the side after he kicked 3.1 against the Power.
“(Mihocek) just popped out a finger, took a little bit of time to get back in but nothing too sinister,” Wade said.
“We’ll have to assess how he’s handling the footy this week through training, we’ll have a look at that on Wednesday and we’ll probably not tick him off until Thursday’s captain’s run.”
Rebounding defender Oleg Markov is set to return via the VFL this weekend after rolling his ankle in a trial game against Geelong, while Arlo Draper remains in the concussion protocols.
Veteran Hawk Chad Wingard, who was impressive in round 1 against Essendon before his injury with 13 disposals and a goal, will play against North Melbourne in Launceston on Saturday provided he makes it through Thursday’s main training session unscathed.
Hawthorn high performance manager Peter Burge said Wingard had been progressing well since his round 1 calf injury, which forced him out of the side that lost heavily to Sydney.
“He resumed running late last week and had a session yesterday (Monday) which was really good,” Burge said.
“We’re planning for him to fully train on Thursday and given that all goes well, he’ll be available to play on the weekend.”
Mihocek will be tested by the Magpies
Lockdown defender Josh Morris could return via the VFL next week after he re-entered full contract training, Burge said.
The 21-year-old South Australian, who is out of contract at the end of the season, broke into the senior side for six consecutive matches before injuring his shoulder against St Kilda in round 20.
“Josh had a shoulder reconstruction last year, it’s taken a little longer than we expected,” Burge said.
“There were some complications early, but we’ve got over that now. He’s had nearly a full month of training and he’s into full contract training this week.
“Josh is pretty excited and he’s got himself in a really good condition and has had a good chance to work on his conditioning during his rehab phase.”
Key forward Mitch Lewis remains listed as a round 6 or 7 comeback from his ACL sprain, while fellow tall Emerson Jeka is also pushing for a round 6 return following a hamstring tear.
