Petterd sent back at TigersBy Jennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
2:43pm AEDT Friday, February 15, 2013RICHMOND rookie Ricky Petterd has impressed in his first official hit-out in the yellow and black, playing across half-back in the Tigers' intraclub match on Friday morning.
Petterd, 24, played nearly three quarters of the scratch match between a 'probables' and 'possibles' side at Punt Road before coming off at the final break.
He won plenty of the ball and appeared to blow out some cobwebs after spending his first months at the club getting over Achilles surgery.
Before the game, coach Damien Hardwick said the Tigers were keen to see what Petterd could do in a role at the opposite end of the ground to where he largely played at Melbourne.
"He's been really impressive in the drills we've done," Hardwick said.
"It's a role that he played earlier in his career and that's where we see him suited.
"Earlier in his career he played down back and he played quite well so we're certainly looking forward to seeing how he goes down there.
"We think he can add something, he's a good height, he's a versatile type player and we think he'll be a solid contributor for us."
Petterd's presence across half-back released former skipper Chris Newman into a new position ahead of centre, where he set up several forward forays.
As a rookie, the ex-Demon will need to be elevated to the senior list ahead of the season if he is to be considered for selection.
It was a match that was easily 'won' by the yellow 'probables' team but many players switched colours after half-time to even up the contest.
Other highlights of the often-scrappy hit-out included Ty Vickery, who marked strongly overhead playing forward before spending the last quarter in the ruck against Tom Derickx.
Vickery didn't play again after round 11 last year owing to shoulder surgery but has had an outstanding pre-season.
Captain Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt, Brett Deledio, Ivan Maric and Bachar Houli were among those who didn't face the Indigenous All Stars in Alice Springs last Friday night to play.
Cotchin moved well but missed a few shots at goal, Riewoldt looked imposing and took some good marks, and a fit-looking Deledio stood out and finished off with a couple of goals.
Maric rucked well before kicking two goals in the last quarter when he was moved forward, and defender Steven Morris was solid and went for a few runs up the ground.
Luke McGuane found the scoreboard multiple times after lining up in attack for the 'probables' while Shaun Grigg played well and booted two second-half goals.
Reece Conca and Brandon Ellis built on their promising form against the All Stars with notable performances.
Defender Ben Griffiths played a half and Houli three quarters, with both joining Petterd for some run throughs on the ground's far side in the fourth term.
The only blight was when Matt White appeared to injure his right foot in the third quarter.
The midfielder came off and had it treated on the sidelines before testing it out at the final change. He then headed into the rooms and wasn't seen again.
The club later confirmed White was fine and had only suffered bruising.
Defender Alex Rance didn't play after he injured his ankle when tackled on Thursday, but acted as a runner along with Jake King and missed as a precaution.
Mature-age rookie Orren Stephenson also didn't play but is not understood to be injured after facing the All Stars last week.
Hardwick reported defender Troy Chaplin and rookie Sam Lonergan would make their first appearances in the second or third weeks of the NAB Cup.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2013-02-15/tigers-keep-petterd-back
