Tigers want Bowden to face up
By Karen Lyon
May 25, 2005
Richmond defender Joel Bowden will be given every opportunity to take his position in the Tigers' line-up for Friday night's clash with Melbourne, despite fracturing a cheekbone last week.
Bowden received the injury in an accidental head clash with teammate Chris Hyde during the Tigers' thrilling win over the Brisbane Lions last Saturday night. He had surgery on Monday night and Richmond coach Terry Wallace yesterday flagged a possible early return for the defender.
A better-than-expected recovery from the operation has led Wallace to open the door for the 2004 club champion to play.
"We will just monitor him as the week goes on; if he is any chance, we will give him right to the death knock to have that opportunity," Wallace said. "To be honest, it was nowhere near the swelling that we expected."
The coach said Bowden was in a "pretty jovial sort of mood" despite the injury.
Pitted against the attacking Demons, Richmond is hopeful on Bowden and confident that ruckman Greg Stafford can return for the match after an ankle injury.
"He trained today and he was out running laps - that was a positive sign," Wallace said of Stafford. "He has obviously got the rest of the week - it's only a short week because of the Friday night - but I intend playing him if he's right to play."
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