Tigers to get early look at young stars as prized top draft pick sets sights on prime time debutEd Bourke
Foxsports
January 23rd, 2025 Richmond No. 1 pick Sam Lalor is eyeing a prime time AFL debut against Carlton in Round 1 as the Tigers prepare to blood most of their bumper 2024 draft class next month.
Lalor said Taj Hotton, who is recovering from an ACL injury suffered last year, was the only Richmond draftee who had not spent most of the new year in full training.
The Tigers are poised to take on a dramatic new look when they travel to Perth to face West Coast in their first practice match on February 17.
Lalor, fellow strong-bodied midfielder Josh Smillie, key forwards Jonty Faull and Harry Armstrong and defender Luke Trainor are all in the frame for selection against either the Eagles or Collingwood in the Charity Shield game at Ikon Park on February 26.
The fitness level of the draft crop is a welcome boost for last year’s wooden spooners, who have gaps to fill all over the ground after the departures of premiership players Shai Bolton, Daniel Rioli, Liam Baker and Jack Graham to other clubs and the retirements of Dustin Martin, Dylan Grimes and Marlion Pickett.
Another void to fill was created by Noah Balta’s club-imposed ban for the December 30 incident that led to him being charged with assault.
Balta’s absence for at least the first four weeks of the season could bring Trainor or another tall draftee straight into the senior side, as Josh Gibcus and Tylar Young continue to recover from ACL injuries suffered last year.
“Pretty much everyone (from the draft class) has been full training, except Taj (Hotton), who’s obviously done his ACL,” Lalor said.
“A couple of us have been in and out, but we’re all feeling pretty good. We’re working well together, and we’re just enjoying each other’s company.”
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/teams/richmond-tigers/afl-news-2025-prized-richmond-pick-sam-lalor-sets-sights-on-round-1-josh-smillie-taj-hotton-injury/news-story/1199533d33d2398f7777d00acf35fa21
