Brown could replace Richo
30 May 2006 Herald Sun
Mark Stevens
RICHMOND is strongly considering calling up Nathan Brown as a surprise replacement for injured star Matthew Richardson.
Although the Tigers were yesterday reeling from the loss of Richardson for up to a month with a broken wrist, there is growing excitement about Brown's progress.
Coach Terry Wallace last night talked up the chances of a Brown-Richardson swap for the trip to Perth to confront Fremantle on Saturday night.
"We're not far off Browny coming back – they might even do a tag team yet this week," Wallace said last night.
"He is moving well . . . Browny's a chance."
Richardson underwent surgery to repair a cracked bone in his right wrist yesterday, with a screw inserted to stabilise the joint.
The best-case scenario is a fortnight off and a return against Hawthorn at Aurora Stadium in Round 12.
The worst-case scenario for the star forward is a month out and a return against Collingwood in Round 13 after the mid-season break.
It is the first time Wallace has had to cover for Richardson in his 31 games as Richmond coach.
Brown, who returned from a broken leg in Round 1 this year, has been rested since Round 3 after enduring a frustrating night against West Coast – also at Subiaco.
He told website footyvoice.com.au yesterday that he was ready to return.
"The obstacles are the coaches and fitness staff agreeing that I am right to play," Brown said. "I reckon I am right to play."
Richardson was injured early in the clash with Geelong on Saturday.
"It was a good effort for him to stay out there and help us get a result, but unfortunately today the news wasn't great," Wallace said.
Brett Deledio suffered a minor medial ligament sprain in the win. The Tigers are hopeful he will be fit to take on the Dockers but it would not surprise if he is left at home.
"He's a class player and he's our future so we're not going to put him in any physical jeopardy," Wallace said.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,19300149%255E19742,00.html