AFL training report - January 31
AFL Media's Sarah Black provides a report from Richmond's training session on Friday.Richmond spearhead Tom Lynch "can't take a trick", placed into concussion protocols after a collision in the Tigers' match simulation on Friday.
The 32-year-old has played just eight games in the past two seasons, but has been training well this summer.
In his scheduled press conference, assistant coach Steve Morris was unable to provide much clarity about Lynch's timeline to return, given the immediacy of the incident.
"'Lynchy' can't take a trick, he's entered concussion protocols. He's had an outstanding probably eight weeks of training, he's firing on all cylinders," Morris said.
"I found myself on the bump bag – unfortunately – a few times and just he's just training with some real purpose. So it's a bit of a speed bump for him, but he's in really good nick and hope to see him back in the really near future."
Dion Prestia completed one-third of the hitout before running laps, and is on a managed load this pre-season given his extensive history of soft tissue injuries. Nick Vlastuin and Kane McAuliffe also completed two-thirds of the scrimmage.
Mid-season recruit Jacob Blight left the field in considerable pain, holding his right shoulder, but Morris said it appeared he has escaped damage.
Noah Balta only trained in the gym, providing Category B rookie Ollie Hayes-Brown plenty of time up forward, after Jacob Koschitzke was switched to defence.
Jacob Bauer played up forward in the As, at one stage booting a set-shot goal from 55-60m.
"He's tracking all right. We've asked him to really dig in into his training over the last little bit and what I've seen is a guy who's really committed to earning the trust of his teammates," Morris said of Balta.
"He's put everything out on the table over the last few weeks, doing extra sessions and he knows that he's got to get himself red-hot fit.
"He's a really important player to our team and our club and I think he's doing a really good job at the moment under the circumstances he's facing."
Rising half-forward Seth Campbell racked up plenty of midfield minutes in the "A" team, alongside Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper, while Samson Ryan, Thomson Dow, Tom Brown, James Trezise and Tyler Sonsie were in the "B" side.
Sam Banks provided plenty of dash out of defence, while No.1 pick Sam Lalor appeared to be spending more time forward with occasional midfield stints in the "As", as did Rhyan Mansell.
Match Sim GoalsBlack:Steely Green 3, Hugo Ralpsmith 2, Tim Taranto, Tom Lynch, Ollie Hayes-Brown, Jacob Bauer
Yellow: Maurice Rioli 2, Liam Fawcett, Campbell Gray, Thomson Dow, Liam George
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1711356/afl-training-report-january-31
