Track watch: Three-game Tiger making case for Round 1 spotMitch Keating
zderohanger.com
February 14, 2025Second-year Richmond defender Jacob Blight is firming as a Round 1 selection chance as he continues to stamp his authority at Punt Road this pre-season, with Friday's brief match simulation session no different
Blight, who linked up with the Tigers in May last year as the second overall selection in the Mid-Season Draft, will be looking to add to his three AFL games from the 2024 season off the back of a strong summer hitout.
The Tigers hit the track before a weekend west to face West Coast, which will see Blight return to his home state of Western Australia as the Tigers take on the Eagles in Perth on Monday morning for their first practice match of the pre-season.
The latest session at Tigerland saw Blight impose himself as a dominant aerial threat behind the ball as either a one-on-one matchup or interceptor, while his kicking to alleviate pressure and creative attacking avenues further up the field caught the eye.
Blight's chances of starting in coach Adem Yze's Round 1 plans have been buoyed by the suspension to incumbent tall Noah Balta, who will miss the opening month of the home and away season through suspension.
The Tigers will be without former top 10 pick Josh Gibcus and Tylar Young as the duo continue to recover from ACL injuries, leaving Blight to battle for a role in Yze's rearguard against Ben Miller and rookie Luke Trainor, while forward Jacob Koschitzke is also being utilised in defence at training.
Balta reminded teammates of his presence during Friday's session, starting forward before moving to the backline to further flex his versatility as he looks to earn back some credits.
Young flanker Tom Brown looks to have added size and could be a reliable component of Richmond's defensive structure this year, while midfielder Tyler Sonsie looked to give some run out of the backline as he rotated through the middle and back thirds of the field.
Sonsie will be looking to uncover a consistent role in Yze's side after a 14-game season in 2024, with midfield spots up for grabs after a large exodus of premiership talent at the Tigers. Sonsie was spotted working closely with backline coach Steve Morris at the conclusion of the session, while the young ball winner's disposal looked cleaner throughout.
Small forward Rhyan Mansell looks set for a breakout year as he continues to cause headaches for opposing teammates on the track with his forward pressure and eye for goal. The Tasmanian - whose 21 goals last year were the second most at Richmond behind the departed Shai Bolton - loom as Yze's leading forward threat on the ground with given his pace and profile.
Young Tiger Seth Campbell's integration into midfield continues to build, with the 20-year-old getting on the end of several scoring chances as a hard-working figure through the middle, however the more senior Thomson Dow was quick to bring him back down to earth with a crunching tackle on the run.
Fringe ruckman Samson Ryan is another looking to take the next step, with his growing confidence on the ball a factor that is sure to excite onlookers.
The Tigers are dealing with an extensive group of players still sidelined just days out from the trip to WA, with Mykelti Lefau, Tom Lynch, Judson Clarke, Josh Smillie, Tylar Young, Luke Trainor, Jonty Faull, Taj Hotton, Hugo Ralphsmith and James Trezise all limited while Jack Ross, Sam Lalor and the aforementioned Gibcus were not sighted.
Small forward Maurice Rioli was not present on Friday as he prepares for this weekend's Indigenous All Stars game against Fremantle.
https://www.zerohanger.com/track-watch-three-game-tiger-making-case-for-round-1-spot-158531/
