Richmond’s tough inside midfield recruit Jacob Townsend appears likely to make his senior league debut with the Tigers in the 2016 season-opener against Carlton on March 24, while the Club’s first pick in last year’s National Draft, silky-skilled, speedy, small forward Daniel Rioli, is a 50-50 chance.
That’s the assessment of Richmond coach Damien Hardwick following the Tigers’ loss to Port Adelaide in their final NAB Challenge match of the pre-season late last week.
Townsend, who arrived at Tigerland via a trade with Greater Western Sydney (where he’d played 28 games in four seasons) late last year, suffered concussion when knocked out during the clash with Port, but is expected to be ready to go for Round 1.
“He’s got a bit of a rock head, Jacob,” Hardwick said.
“I think every game he’s come off with the blood rule, which is why we like him, and why we brought him to our footy club.
“He’s got two weeks to recover, so I’m sure he’ll be fine.
“I think his third quarter (against the Power) probably shows you what he can do.
“He was probably a little bit quiet prior to that . . . but his tackle pressure and general contested work around the contest, we’re pretty happy with.”
While Hardwick also is pleased with Rioli’s progress, the talented teenager’s prospects for senior selection in the opening round aren’t quite as clear-cut.
“He’s probably touch and go,” Hardwick said.
“Sam Lloyd’s a player that we like in that (small forward) position also.
“A lot of it depends on personnel available . . .
“He (Rioli) has got some upside, there’s no doubt about that.
“If he was probably a little bit cleaner tonight (v Port last Thursday night), he walks away with a couple of goals.
“But he’s 18 years of age, coming from a fair way back . . .
“He played some good footy last year, and has played some reasonable footy for us thus far.
“I reckon, at this stage, he’s 50-50 (for Round 1 selection).”
http://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/2016-03-14/tale-of-two-tiger-newcomers
