Full article about our start to pre-seaosn training today:
Second chance for Batsanis?Nathan Schmook
November 11, 2013 2:20 PM
RICHMOND could hand VFL midfielder Nathan Batsanis a second AFL chance after the 25-year-old made an impact as the Tigers returned to pre-season training on Monday morning.
Batsanis, who was recruited by Port Adelaide in the 2007 NAB AFL Rookie Draft but never played an AFL game, has pushed himself back into draft calculations over the past three seasons.
A premiership wingman with VFL club Port Melbourne in 2011, he moved to SANFL club Norwood in 2012 and finished fourth in the Magarey Medal before returning to the Borough this year.
On Monday, he joined the Tigers' first- to fourth-year players for the club's first session of the pre-season and sat alongside leader Brandon Ellis in the running drills.
Richmond is deciding whether to use its pick No.68 in the 2013 NAB AFL Draft, while it also has rookie vacancies after Sam Lonergan retired, Ricky Petterd was elevated and Steven Verrier was delisted.
Boasting speed and a long kick, Batsanis would add depth to the Tigers' young midfield at a time when the club is expected to push for back-to-back finals appearances for the first since 1974-75.
The club will have a standalone VFL team in 2014, so Batsanis could be on the Tigers' radar to add to their second-string stocks next season.
Ellis was the standout performer in Monday morning's 90-minute session, which was run by head of development Mark Williams, who remains a lead candidate for the vacant St Kilda coaching position.
Midfielder Dustin Martin returned to training and, while not appearing out of shape, placed at the tail of the group in the running drills.
Young midfielder Reece Conca, who re-signed with the club in September for three years, trained lightly as he recovers from a serious hamstring injury suffered in the Tigers' elimination final loss to Carlton.
The 21-year-old underwent surgery in September and will be on limited duties through November and December before progressing into full training in January.
Brad Helbig, Matt Dea and Liam McBean were others on light duties, while Matt Arnot walked laps as he recovers from a stress fracture in his back.
After three seasons interrupted by injury, defender Dylan Grimes took part in the opening session of the pre-season in an encouraging sign.
Captain Trent Cotchin and vice-captain Brett Deledio made appearances track side but did not train, with the senior players due back on November 25.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-11-11/second-chance-for-batsanis
