WA youngsters get chance on big stage
Two West Australians will make their debuts on the big stage when Carlton host Richmond at the MCG tonight.
The traditional season opener returns after a two-year break, with former Perth teenager Clem Smith (Carlton) and Peel recruit Kamdyn McIntosh (Richmond) set to line up for the first time in front of an expected crowd of 80,000.
They will do so alongside a bevy of stars who have been named for each team despite interrupted pre-seasons.
Key Richmond duo Trent Cotchin (hamstring) and Brett Deledio (Achilles) have overcome injury concerns, while veteran defender Chris Newman will play just a fortnight after a minor heart operation.
For Carlton, Bryce Gibbs has recovered from a shoulder injury and Chris Yarran was passed fit after shaking off a virus.
Smith, 19, produced a solid first pre-season with the Blues and his combative style in the NAB Challenge was impressive.
Third-year player McIntosh was cut down by a foot stress fracture last year and had to bide his time at the Tigers.
“Kamdyn will play through the wing,” Richmond coach Damien Hardwick said.
“He’s also an elite runner and uses the ball really well. He’s been pretty good in the pre-season and we’re really happy where he’s at.”
Key forward Ty Vickery was a notable omission for Richmond.
Carlton named former Western Bulldogs forward Liam Jones, who was recruited to fill the hole left when leading goal kicker Jarrad Waite departed for North Melbourne.
“(Jones) is a very powerful player, extremely quick,” Carlton coach Mick Malthouse said.
“His technique to go and approach the football we needed to address and he’s gobbled that up. He just believes now that he’s right in the approach to the football.
“We’ve got great faith that he will be a good player for us.”
Richmond will start warm favourites tonight.
Nothing less than a third straight finals appearance will satisfy the Tiger Army this season and Hardwick will be hell-bent on ensuring his team avoids a repeat of last year’s horror start.
“These round-one games ... they’re 50-50 games,” Hardwick said.
“We’ve just got to make sure we go about playing our best footy.
“We’re further advanced than we have been previously.”
