Richmond’s Ben Lennon and Western Bulldog Marcus Bontempelli impressed in the VFLHerald-Sun
March 22, 2014RICHMOND and Western Bulldogs’ prized draft picks took another step towards validating their summer hype with impressive performances in last night’s VFL practice match.
Ben Lennon, who joined the Tigers with the No. 12 pick, collected 16 first-half disposals at Whitten Oval after minor knee surgery last month, while best-and-fairest winner Daniel Jackson got through the hit-out and should bolster the AFL side next week.
Jackson’s pre-season was interrupted by a hamstring strain but he is expected to win promotion to Richmond’s side for Thursday’s blockbuster against Carlton.
Dogs No. 4 pick Marcus Bontempelli is starting to creep into AFL contention after overcoming a small knee setback last month.
The 192cm midfielder roamed the ground impressively with his long arms and surprising speed standing out.
Bontempelli, who plays in Scott Pendlebury’s mould, joined the Dogs as a raw and skinny 17-year-old but has his teammates excited with his similarities to emerging star Jack Macrae.
Lennon, a classy medium forward, is shaping as another blue-chip selection after the ready-mace successes of Brandon Ellis, Nick Vlastuin and Reece Conca.
Tough midfielder Clay Smith got through his second VFL clash unscathed following his swift return from a knee reconstruction, but Daniel Pearce left the clash with a suspected knee injury.
Smith’s injury effectively cost him just seven matches given he ruptured his ACL in Round 16 last year.
Spearhead Liam Jones took some strong grabs around the ground and was trialled in the ruck as Footscray kicked clear late to win by 62 points.
Former Crow Chris Knights collected 24 disposals for the Tigers.
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