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81

Richmond Rant / Re: Changes for next week against the Lions?

« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 12:13:18 AM »

Team Tips:

The Tigers battled early against St Kilda before fading badly, conceding 14 second-half goals to fall by 82 points, and changes both forced and unforced are coming.

Valuable forward Rhyan Mansell will miss three matches. If he wants a forward as a replacement, Adem Yze could opt for Maurice Rioli or draftee Jasper Alger after both hit the scoreboard at VFL level. Alger put his best foot forward against Sandringham, booting two goals along with 11 disposals, while Rioli dobbed one major as he continues to press his case for a season debut.

Meanwhile, provided he passes requisite testing, rebounder Sam Banks should return from a concussion he suffered against Port Adelaide.

Kaleb Smith was the tactical sub against the Saints and could be the man to make way for Banks after gathering seven disposals in his brief time on ground.

Elsewhere, hard-nosed midfielder Kane McAuliffe backed up a solid VFL hitout last week with 25 disposals, eight tackles and eight clearances against the Zebras. He could also be a consideration for Mansell’s spot if Yze isn’t desperate for a like-for-like.

Top-10 draftee Josh Smillie appears in line for some VFL match action after recovering from a pre-season hamstring complaint.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2025-round-4-team-tips-predicted-sides-and-squads-ins-and-outs-team-changes-injuries-latest-team-news/news-story/606d762d15a52068209dfdd65b1a4676

82

Richmond Rant / Re: Richmond vs Brisbane @ the MCG --- Round 4, 2025

« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 12:11:51 AM »

Yze, Tigers embrace Lions challenge

Richmond coach Adem Yze says the perfect challenge against reigning premiers Brisbane awaits in Round 4.

By Luke Sicari
2 April 2025

Richmond coach Adem Yze can’t wait to see the young Tigers embrace the challenge of facing the reigning premiers on Saturday afternoon.

Richmond returns home to the MCG this weekend to host the undefeated Brisbane Lions, providing a brilliant opportunity for the Tigers’ youngsters to test themselves against the best the competition has to offer.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Yze said he had “no doubt” his players will welcome the obstacle Brisbane presents.

“They’re a good team for a reason and they won the premiership for a reason,” Yze said.

“The opportunity for Harry Armstrong to play on Harris Andrews, Sammy Lalor to be leaning on Lachie Neale, Luke Trainor to play on some of their key forwards and gun forwards … it’s just a great opportunity for some of our players.

“We want them to feel like they belong on an AFL field, and we are trying to really fast track that. What better way to do it against the best team in the comp at the ‘G in front of our Tiger Army? We can’t wait.”

After a resounding Round 1 victory over Carlton, the Tigers have suffered defeats to Port Adelaide and St Kilda, with Yze searching for a consistent four-quarter performance on Saturday at the MCG.

“We got to start to become a team that can play consistent footy over four quarters,” Yze said.

“Being a young team that might be harder, and it might take us a bit of time, but hopefully this week against a really strong team, we can have a really consistent performance over four quarters.”

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1746629/yze-tigers-embrace-lions-challenge

83

Richmond Rant / Re: Rhyan Mansell cops 3 weeks from the Tribunal [updated]

« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 12:10:12 AM »

Richmond great Matthew Richardson calls out AFL for in-season rule change after Rhyan Mansell's ban

Lachlan Harper
Nine
April 3, 2025

Richmond Tigers great Matthew Richardson believes games earlier in the season have been "compromised" after Rhyan Mansell was given a three-match ban

Mansell was punished by the AFL tribunal for shoving St Kilda's Liam O'Connell into a marking contest and the ruling appears to have set a precedent in the future.

Similar incidents have occurred during the pre-season and during the early rounds with calls for the move to be outlawed.

A memo was also sent out to clubs in the pre-season, warning players could be found responsible if injuries occur. O'Connell suffered a heavy concussion from the incident.

Richardson believes the league shouldn't be making changes on the run.

"I didn't think he'd get off because it was pretty clear the AFL wanted to clamp down on it," he told 3AW Radio on Wednesday afternoon.

"The thing with me is we've got to stop changing things during the season because I feel now there were four or five of these incidents that probably could've been suspensions earlier in the year and even in the pre-season.

"It feels like they're compromised now, those games.

"I think if you're going to change rules, you change them at the start of the year and that's it. If you change a rule halfway during the year and then all of a sudden that rule could've effected results earlier in the season, they're compromised for mine."

https://www.nine.com.au/sport/afl/news-2025-matthew-richardson-comments-rhyan-mansell-suspension-st-kilda-richmond-20250402-p5loo4.html

84

Richmond Rant / Re: Noah Balta charged with assault

« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 12:08:17 AM »

‘Exactly what he told us had happened’: Coach addresses vision of Tiger’s alleged assault, selection stance

Tyler Lewis
Newswire/Foxsports
April 2nd, 2025

Richmond coach Adem Yze has reinforced his stance on Noah Balta’s return from suspension, saying the Tigers aren’t “going to change our verdict”.

Balta is serving the final match of a six-game ban after he was charged with assault in January.

The 25-year-old has pleaded guilty and will face sentencing in Albury Local Court on April 22.

Balta is available for matches against Fremantle and Gold Coast between the end of his suspension and his sentencing.

Yze doubled down on Wednesday on whether Balta would play before his court date, declaring “it’s going to be nice when he’s available”.

“The AFL was part of the process when we sanctioned him; six weeks is a long time for a player to have out,” he said.

“Not only the six weeks suspension, he’s been dealing with this for three months. He’s been doing extras at training, community service, helping around the footy club.

“He’s earning the trust and respect back not only from his team but his club, he’s hating not being out there.

“The fact that it’s out in the media now – it happened in January. He’s been dealing with that for a long time, so we’re not going to change our verdict.

“We’ve worked with the AFL and we’re really clear on that. It’s going to be nice when he is available.”

Yze again defended Balta when asked to detail his reaction to footage of the assault.

He said Balta had been clear on the event, which led to no shock when the video emerged.

“It was exactly what he told us had happened,” Yze said.

“It’s in the courts, so we can’t really talk about the facts, but what you did see is exactly what he told us.

“He was honest about it, he knew he made a mistake and, like I said, he’s been earning the trust of not only us but the whole footy club.

“We can’t wait to allow him to get back out and do that on the footy field as well.”

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-tigers/afl-2025-richmond-cant-wait-to-have-defender-noah-balta-back-between-his-suspension-and-sentencing/news-story/a9dac46da144218a50e7f943d0c168cc

85

Richmond Rant / Re: VFL R2: Richmond vs Sandringham @ Moorabbin Oval, Sat. Mar 29

« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 12:06:34 AM »

VFL Report: Round 2

Richmond VFL coach Jake Batchelor provides a summary of how the Tigers’ players performed in last Saturday’s Round 2 win over Sandringham at RSEA Park.

Kane McAuliffe (28 disposals, three marks, seven tackles)

“Had a huge game despite only playing three quarters due to his role as carryover emergency for the AFL side. Strong around the contest with clean hands and physicality. Showed growth in his defensive awareness and stayed really active. Great performance overall.”


Campbell Gray (13 disposals, three marks, five tackles, one goal)

“Had a significantly better start compared to last week, but it was his last quarter that stood out. He played with instinct, confidence, and without fear of mistakes — showing signs of the impactful player he can become.”


Jonty Faull (13 disposals, four marks, ome tackle)

“A real presence ahead of the ball — rarely outmarked, fights hard, and scraps for every contest. Had some great moments stepping through pressure and lowering the eyes. Exciting potential.”


Jasper Alger (12 disposals, three marks, two goals)

“Improved from last week in terms of system. Found good spots and is clearly learning and applying feedback in his role as a high half forward.”


Jacob Koschitzke (nine disposals, three tackles, one mark)

“Played a really strong game. His system behind the ball was solid, and he had a standout one-on-one win against Liam Henry late in the game — a crucial contest that helped preserve momentum.”


Thomas Sims (seven disposals, three marks, six tackles, eight hit-outs, one goal)

“Competed strongly in the air and may not have been out marked all game. Brought the ball to ground consistently and capped it off with a nice goal. Improving steadily each week.”


Samson Ryan (seven disposals, four marks, 15 hit-outs, three clearances, one goal)

“Didn’t fill the stat sheet but played a key role, especially in the last quarter where he took over ruck duties. His presence and competitiveness had a big influence on the game.”


Maurice Rioli Jr (seven disposals, three marks, one tackle, one goal)

“Showed his trademark power, speed, and explosiveness — a level above. Capped his performance with a goal and demonstrated strong defensive intent throughout.”


Mate Colina (five disposals, five tackles, 11 hit-outs)

“Faced a tough matchup against a top-tier ruck in Harry Boyd and gave away a few frees. Technique adjustments needed, but effort was never in question. Good learning opportunity.”


Liam Fawcett (one disposal, one mark)

“Unfortunately suffered a concussion and a broken nose in the first five minutes. No further impact on the game.”

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1746771/vfl-report-round-2

86

Richmond Rant / Re: Rhyan Mansell cops 3 weeks from the Tribunal [updated]

« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 12:02:59 AM »

Yze seeks clarity on what players 'can and can't do' after Mansell ban

Rhyan Mansell's ban for rough conduct has left Richmond coach Adem Yze facing a challenge around how best to instruct his players to approach contests

By AAP
2 April 2025

RICHMOND coach Adem Yze wants more clarity about how his players can approach their forward craft after Rhyan Mansell was handed a three-match ban for rough conduct.

The AFL Tribunal rejected all of the Tigers' arguments in upholding Mansell's suspension on Tuesday night, meaning the 24-year-old forward won't play again until at least round seven.

He was charged after he pushed St Kilda opponent Liam O'Connell into a collision.

O'Connell was concussed and is expected to miss one game.

Yze addressed the incident and fallout before training at Punt Road on Wednesday, adamant there was no malice in Mansell's actions.

"The hardest thing is he would probably do it again if we were training out here today and he's in that same situation where someone's holding him and he wants to get access to wherever the ball is landing," Yze said.

"That's part of forward craft, so we've just got to make sure we can coach them through that now and get that real clear understanding of what they can and can't do.

"That's our job, so yeah, he's disappointed that he can't get out there this weekend and help us rectify the performance we put up last week, which wasn't good enough."

Mansell's ban followed an AFL memo last month that warned players against pushing opponents into marking contests after a spate of incidents.

The Tigers argued it would be inconsistent to ban Mansell, given West Coast player Reuben Ginbey was not charged over a pre-season incident in a marking contest that left Richmond youngster Sam Lalor with a fractured jaw and concussion.

But the Tribunal jury, headed by chair Jeff Gleeson KC, were unmoved.

In handing down the verdict, Gleeson said the Ginbey-Lalor incident was not sufficiently comparable to change their view Mansell was guilty of rough conduct.

The jury found Mansell breached his duty of care with the push on O'Connell, adding the force of the push was a significant factor.

"It's a brutal game and it's a tough game," Yze said ahead of a round four clash with Brisbane on Saturday.

"We're coming up against the No.1 contested team in the competition, last year's premiers, and if we're thinking about how not to put on body contact or how not to be combative ... that's really hard to coach.

"The technique around looking after and protecting other players, I think we're getting better at. But in Mansell's situation he had no idea what he was pushing him into.

"We had a player in Sammy Lalor that got pushed into the same scenario and breaks his jaw.

"If that young kid for West Coast (Ginbey) could see what he was pushing into, that's the type of thing we've got to stamp out."

GWS captain Toby Greene agreed the Ginbey-Lalor incident was a bigger worry than Mansell's push on O'Connell.

"The one in the pre-season was the one that's really dangerous and that's the one they are probably trying to get rid of, whereas this one is maybe a little bit more 50-50," Greene said on Fox Footy.

"I understand still there's an element of danger in what he (Mansell) does, but the one's where they're in close and they push off late, I still think that's reasonable and fair.

"I'm not sure where it goes or what it looks like going forward, but it's one to be mindful of for sure."

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1291336/adem-yze-seeks-clarity-on-what-players-can-and-cant-do-after-rhyan-mansell-ban

87

Richmond Rant / Re: Trade talk, rumours & innuendo 2025

« Last post by one-eyed on Yesterday at 12:01:05 AM »

10 AFL players on the fringes at their clubs… and why rivals could soon circle

Foxsports
3 April 2025

ALEX DAVIES (Gold Coast Suns)
Age: 23
Drafted: Pre-listed rookie, 2020
AFL games: 32
Contract status: Signed until 2026

NED MOYLE (Gold Coast Suns)
Age: 23
Drafted: Pick 5, 2021 mid-season draft
AFL games: 10
Contract status: Signed until 2028

JAKE RICCARDI (GWS GIANTS)
Age: 25
Drafted: Pick 51, 2019
AFL games: 69
Contract status: Signed until 2026

LEEK ALEER (GWS GIANTS)
Age: 23
Drafted: Pick 15, 2021
AFL games: 12
Contract status: Signed until 2025

LEWIS HAYES (Essendon)
Age: 20
Drafted: Pick 25, 2022
AFL games: 0
Contract status: Signed until 2026

HENRY HUSTWAITE (Hawthorn)
Age: 20
Drafted: Pick 37, 2022
AFL games: 6
Contract status: Signed until 2026

Jon Ralph says: “He’s a fascinating one. He’s in an interesting position there – 38 possessions (in the VFL against North Melbourne) and as we saw in the summer documentary: ‘Do you think I can play half-back, coach? Where can I play?’ The issue is not that he won’t get a chance at some stage, but James Worpel is out of the side and he’s still not in at the moment. It’s just that he’s probably that player who’s a bit slower – an inside mid who’s not a great spreader – and they’ve already got James Worpel, Cam Mackenzie is not an identical player but reasonably similar, Conor Nash is a bid-bodied inside mid, we know about Jai Newcombe. I think if he forecasts his next five years, I’m sure he’s thinking to himself: ‘I’m not sure I have that role in that team.’ And I don’t think he can play half-back. He’s contracted until next year, I’m sure he’d love to stay at that club, but I’m sure he’d have his head turned by some big offers with three and four-year deals at clubs who desperately need young inside midfielders of his potential.”

JEDD BUSSLINGER (Western Bulldogs)
Age: 21
Drafted: Pick 13, 2022.
AFL games: 0
Contract status: Signed until 2026

DEVON ROBERTSON (Brisbane Lions)
Age: 23
Drafted: Pick 22, 2019
AFL games: 43
Contract status: Signed until 2025

ED ALLAN (Collingwood)
Age: 20
Drafted: Pick 19, 2022
AFL games: 3
Contract status: Signed until 2026

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/department-of-trade/afl-trade-news-rumours-whispers-2025-midweek-tackle-nominated-10-fringe-players-possibly-up-for-grabs/news-story/b8ec2c063f49372ecddc3f1a20e395e9

88

Richmond Rant / Re: 2025 AFL Draft

« Last post by one-eyed on April 02, 2025, 11:55:51 PM »

INDICATIVE FIRST ROUND

1. West Coast
2. Essendon (tied to Melbourne)
3. Hawthorn (tied to Carlton)
4. Richmond
5. Essendon
6. Fremantle
7. Gold Coast (tied to Port Adelaide)
8. Sydney
9. Richmond (tied to North Melbourne)
10. Geelong
11. Western Bulldogs
12. St Kilda
13. Gold Coast (tied to Collingwood)
14. Greater Western Sydney
15. Gold Coast
16. Brisbane
17. Adelaide
18. West Coast (tied to Hawthorn)

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1291137/inside-trading-lion-to-land-extension-injured-don-set-for-talks-crow-to-wait

89

Richmond Rant / Re: Old Footballers - Whatever happened to ...

« Last post by one-eyed on April 02, 2025, 11:53:43 PM »

Robbie Tarrant has been appointed coach of Xavier College, where he boarded in Year 11 and 12 before being drafted by the Kangaroos in 2007. Tarrant finished his AFL career at Richmond and replaced Essendon great Jobe Watson.

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1291137/inside-trading-lion-to-land-extension-injured-don-set-for-talks-crow-to-wait

90

Richmond Rant / Re: Tiger Training

« Last post by one-eyed on April 02, 2025, 11:52:50 PM »

Sounds of the Track: Wednesday Reps


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CINAo0eeojI