Tigers and Dogs to rest stars
28 February 2006 Herald Sun
RICHMOND and the Western Bulldogs will rest key players from their practice match at Shepparton on Saturday.
Neither side will want to give the other an edge before the two teams meet again in the opening round on March 31.
But Tiger star forward Nathan Brown, on the recovery trail from a broken leg, could be a surprise inclusion.
Football manager Paul Armstrong said it was always intended for Brown to play two or three quarters this weekend.
"He's pulled up well from the weekend and, as we said, if he pulled up well the next step is for him to play two or three quarters again the following week," Armstrong said. He said the Tigers were set to rest Matthew Richardson, Greg Stafford, Joel Bowden and Kane Johnson, who have not missed any pre-season sessions.
But Darren Gaspar, Andrew Kellaway, Mark Coughlan and Trent Knobel, who were not available for the opening NAB Cup match against Hawthorn, are likely to be included.
Meanwhile, the Dogs, with several players feeling soreness and tightness after a taxing visit to Darwin, have adopted a no-risk policy for Shepparton.
Scott West, Chris Grant, Brad Johnson, Rohan Smith, Robert Murphy, Daniel Giansiracusa, Dale Morris, Lindsay Gilbee and Adam Cooney will not play.
Scans have cleared defender Ryan Hargrave of serious damage to his jaw, but he could also remain in Melbourne. Cooney, who suffered a hamstring strain last week, was yesterday cleared of any damage.
http://www.heraldsun.news.com.au/footy/common/story_page/0,8033,18298489%255E19742,00.html
