Richmond has regained the services of star premiership defender Nick Vlastuin and called up emerging ruckman Ivan Soldo for Sunday’s big twilight match against Hawthorn at the MCG.
Vlastuin missed last Sunday’s victory over Fremantle at Optus Stadium because of a rolled ankle, while it will be Soldo’s first senior game this season.
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They replace the team’s No. 1 ruckman Toby Nankervis (adductor injury) and promising, young midfielder Jack Ross (syndesmosis injury).
Soldo, 23, 204cm and 106kg, has played eight senior games all-up for the Tigers, with his most recent being in the Round 21, 2018 fixture against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
He’s displayed impressive form at VFL level with the Tigers throughout this season.
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In last Sunday’s game against Frankston, Soldo had 14 disposals, four clearances, five tackles and 38 hit-outs.
Richmond’s four emergencies for Sunday’s match are Daniel Rioli, Jacob Townsend, Riley Collier-Dawkins and Callum Coleman-Jones.
Richmond's Round 9 team
B Ryan Garthwaite, David Astbury, Dylan Grimes
HB Sydney Stack, Shane Edwards, Bachar Houli
C Kamdyn McIntosh, Nick Vlastuin, Brandon Ellis
HF Liam Baker, Josh Caddy, Shai Bolton
F Noah Balta, Dustin Martin, Tom Lynch
Foll Ivan Soldo, Kane Lambert, Jack Higgins
I/C Nathan Broad, Connor Menadue, Jason Castagna, Dion Prestia
Emg Daniel Rioli, Jacob Townsend, Riley Collier-Dawkins, Callum Coleman-Jones
In: Nick Vlastuin, Ivan Soldo
Out: Toby Nankervis (groin), Jack Ross (ankle)
