Richmond teen Garthwaite ready for debutTessa Akerman
The Australian
12 June 2018Richmond teenager Ryan Garthwaite is set to make his senior debut on Sunday’s big stage against Geelong at the MCG.
The fullback from NSW has been placed on standby for defender David Astbury, who is in doubt after damaging his ankle against Port Adelaide last Friday.
Richmond may have to make up to two adjustments to their back line as Nathan Broad is in some doubt after he pulled up from the 14-point loss with a sore back.
Garthwaite, who turns 20 later this month, is poised to become Richmond’s second debutant this year, following Jack Higgins, who played his eighth senior game against the Power.
Astbury, one of 10 Richmond players to have played in all 12 games this season, hurt his ankle mid-game but after medical treatment, returned to the field and played out the match. But despite a nine-day break in between games, Astbury is expected to struggle to be available, after playing in 50 consecutive matches.
Richmond general manager of football operations Neil Balme told The Australian Garthwaite warranted a senior game following his sound form in the VFL.
“He probably deserved his chance before now, to be honest,” Balme said yesterday. “He’s been in good touch and he’s a strong defender who takes a lot of intercept marks,” Balme said.
Garthwaite, who has spent 18 months honing his skills in the VFL, could be one of the bargains of the past two national drafts, having been taken with the overall 72nd selection in the 2016 draft.
But a potential debut for Garthwaite will be overshadowed by the likely return of Dustin Martin, who was ruled out last week with a minor calf issue. The midfield star has never missed consecutive matches because of injury.
His absence against Port ended a run of 83 consecutive games, as he had not missed a match since round 22, 2014, when hamstring soreness ruled him out. After making his debut in the opening round of 2010, Martin has played 189 of a possible 194 games, having missed three games with injuries and two because of an internal suspension.
Balme said Martin was scheduled to train with teammates today at Punt Road.
While Bachar Houli (groin) and Dion Prestia (calf) won’t return until after Richmond’s round 14 bye, the Tigers have several other options available to them against the Cats.
After gaining match conditioning in the VFL over the past month, Daniel Rioli appears certain to return this weekend for the first time since he required surgery on the foot he fractured in last year’s grand final.
The skilful forward kicked two goals in the lower grade at Williamstown on Sunday, along with fellow premiership forward Jacob Townsend, who is also a chance to be reinstated. He hasn’t played at senior level since being omitted from the round-10 team against St Kilda.
Richmond will have at least one forward position open up as back-up player Callum Moore appears certain to be demoted after being given a chance to show his worth in three straight games. He was held scoreless and to eight possessions against Port.
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/afl/richmond-teen-garthwaite-ready-for-debut/news-story/6c0e53220d6c6e7b44f8270c7d93901d
