Richmond defender Noah Balta is set to be available for selection for the Club’s season opener against Carlton next Thursday night.
The 194cm key back has overcome a minor hamstring injury in time to face the Blues, barring any hiccups on the training track this week.
“We anticipate Noah will train fully across the next week and put his hand up for selection,” Richmond High Performance Manager Ben Serpell said.
Midfielder Dion Prestia will also train fully ahead of the season opener, though the Club may lean on the side of caution with the veteran.
“Dion as well could be in the mix for Thursday night as he is really close to returning to match play,” Serpell said.
“Last year we were conservative with his return (VFL minutes after an Achilles injury), and it worked with him playing 12 consecutive (AFL) games, so we may look to do similar again.”
Nick Vlastuin has also been listed as a test, with the Club confident he has overcome the ankle injury that curtailed his off-season.
“Nick has got his ankle in a really good spot, and we are really pleased with where that sits,” Serpell said.
“We will still assess how his body is feeling for Thursday night, given the training he has missed and some of the soreness he has had. So, he remains a test for Carlton, but we are pleased with where he is at.”
The Club can also confirm that Josh Smillie is unfortunately set for a further period on the sidelines after suffering a new quad injury.
“Josh, unfortunately, suffered a quad strain at one of our recent rehab sessions, which will delay his return to play,” Serpell said.
“To be clear, it is not a re-injury of the injury which required surgery, and the young man himself is as disappointed as everyone else at the Club is for him, given the work he has put in.
“We are on the right path with Josh. However, we also want to be conservative and anticipate that this will unfortunately extend his rehab by 4-8 weeks.
“We will have a clearer picture on this in the coming weeks.”
Ruckman Ollie Hayes-Brown is a test to return to availability after missing the weekend's VFL practice match, while Samson Ryan is expected to be back playing in Round 3 or 4.
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| Player | Injury | Estimated Return |
|---|---|---|
21. Noah Balta |
Hamstring |
Available
Balta has a minor hamstring issue, which is not expected to impact the start of his AFL season. Read Article |
|
1. Nick Vlastuin |
Management |
Test
Vlastuin will remain a test for Round 1 selection, as the Club is confident he has overcome his ankle injury. Read Article |
|
3. Dion Prestia |
Hamstring |
Test
Prestia will train fully ahead of the season opener, though the Club may lean on the side of caution with the veteran. Read Article |
|
47. Oliver Hayes-Brown |
Patella tendon |
Test
Hayes-Brown is a test to return to availability after missing the weekend's VFL practice match Read Article |
|
32. Samson Ryan |
Foot |
3-4 weeks
Ryan is currently recovering from a foot injury. Read Article |
|
16. Josh Smillie |
Quad |
6-10 weeks
Smillie suffered a quad strain during a rehab session, further delaying his return. Read Article |
|
10. Taj Hotton |
Hip |
TBC
Hotton suffered a bone stress in his hip after the February 20 practice match against Essendon. Read Article |
|
38. Tom Sims |
Foot |
TBC
Sims sustained a ulnar collateral ligament injury in the Round 20 VFL game against Sandringham. Routine end-of-season medicals also found a navicular stress fracture in his foot. |
|
22. Sam Cumming |
Shoulder |
TBC
Cumming suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder in the AAMI Community Series, a repeat of an injury he had in August last year. Read Article |
|
23. Judson Clarke |
ACL |
TBC
Clarke ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the Round 11 VFL game against Sydney. Read Article |
21. Noah Balta
Balta has a minor hamstring issue, which is not expected to impact the start of his AFL season.
Read Article
1. Nick Vlastuin
Vlastuin will remain a test for Round 1 selection, as the Club is confident he has overcome his ankle injury.
Read Article
3. Dion Prestia
Prestia will train fully ahead of the season opener, though the Club may lean on the side of caution with the veteran.
Read Article
47. Oliver Hayes-Brown
Hayes-Brown is a test to return to availability after missing the weekend's VFL practice match
Read Article
32. Samson Ryan
Ryan is currently recovering from a foot injury.
Read Article
16. Josh Smillie
Smillie suffered a quad strain during a rehab session, further delaying his return.
Read Article
10. Taj Hotton
Hotton suffered a bone stress in his hip after the February 20 practice match against Essendon.
Read Article
38. Tom Sims
Sims sustained a ulnar collateral ligament injury in the Round 20 VFL game against Sandringham. Routine end-of-season medicals also found a navicular stress fracture in his foot.
22. Sam Cumming
Cumming suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder in the AAMI Community Series, a repeat of an injury he had in August last year.
Read Article
23. Judson Clarke
Clarke ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee during the Round 11 VFL game against Sydney.
Read ArticleLast Updated:
