Richmond's rookie race tightens Jon Ralph
Herald Sun
February 28, 2014 7:19PM... as a host of rookie midfielders also push for a potential Round 1 spot.
The club has until March 11 to elevate two of the three rookies in contention for elevation — midfielders Anthony Miles and Matt Thomas and ruckman Orren Stephenson.
Former Port Adelaide on-baller Thomas is seen to be marginally in front of former GWS midfielder Miles, taken with the club’s last rookie pick.
If Stephenson is not elevated it hands injury-prone former No. 19 pick Ben Griffiths his chance to save his career in the absence of Ivan Maric (ankle surgery).
Griffiths was handed a one-year contract last year with no takers at the trade table, but impressed against Collingwood last week as a key position player and back up ruckman to Shaun Hampson.
He has played only 19 games in four years and, amid repeated injuries, has stagnated in the VFL despite being a versatile tall with a booming right-foot kick.
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/afl/daniel-jackson-and-jack-riewoldt-return-for-richmond-practice-match-while-rookie-race-tightens/story-fni5f9jc-1226841213166