Ivan Soldo made a strong return to Richmond’s senior side in yesterday’s Round 18 clash with West Coast at Optus Stadium.
Soldo was recalled to the Tigers’ line-up for just his second AFL appearance this season, following a frustrating time on the sidelines battling plantar fasciitis, as a ruck replacement for suspended co-captain Toby Nankervis.
He maximised his opportunity, finishing with 11 disposals, six contested possessions, five marks, four clearances, one goal, seven score involvements, five tackles, a game-high 41 hit-outs and an AFL career-high 236 metres gained in the team’s 38-point win.
Interim Richmond coach Andrew McQualter highly praised Soldo’s performance during his post-match press conference.
“I thought Soldo had a really, really big impact on the game,” McQualter said.
“He hasn’t played much footy this year. He had three weeks in-a-row (at VFL level) . . .
“I thought he was really consistent for us.
“Really pleased with his game of footy for him and for our team.”
