Richmond's misery gets worse Greg Denham
The Australian
April 15, 2010 BOTTOM-of-the-ladder Richmond's woes are going from bad to worse, with captain Chris Newman unlikely to play against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday.
Newman, who did not play out last weekend's loss to Sydney, has been scanned for a possible hamstring strain.
Dual best-and-fairest winner Brett Deledio appears likely to lead a winless and depleted Tigers against the Demons.
After making six changes to his starting 22 last week, new Richmond coach Damien Hardwick must now make five enforced changes because of the internal suspensions of Ben Cousins, Daniel Connors, Dean Polo and Luke McGuane following a fracas in a Sydney hotel on Sunday morning, as well as covering for Newman.
Hardwick may have to make six changes again if first-year forward Relton Roberts is ruled out with concussion.
Should the captain be ruled out, his absence will add stress to an already vulnerable back line, which last week included Connors, Polo and McGuane.
As well, key defender Will Thursfield will miss successive rounds with a hamstring injury.
Out-of-favour half-back Jordan McMahon will not be considered for a fourth consecutive week after missing the opening round of the VFL season last Sunday with a shoulder injury.
Richmond's defence this weekend will have to depend largely on the experience of Kelvin Moore and Shane Tuck. Small defender Mitch Farmer should be back after missing last week with an ankle problem.
Tom Hislop should also return to the senior side after being dropped to the VFL last week, where he was one of Coburg's best players.
The Tigers could introduce up to three new players against Melbourne, the most likely being key forward David Astbury, 19, a third-round national draft pick last year. Also under consideration will be small forward Troy Taylor, although his form in the VFL has been moderate. The 18-year-old Alice Springs recruit came to Punt Road with the Tigers' fourth-round pick in last year's national draft.
Colin Sylvia, who was close to selection for Melbourne last weekend after his jaw was controversially broken in the pre-season, could play his first game of the year against the Tigers.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/sport/richmonds-misery-gets-worse/story-e6frg7mf-1225853820240
