In the mix: round threeJennifer Phelan
afl.com.au
Apr 3, 2018 5:12PMRICHMONDGet them in: It's getting harder to ignore small forward/midfielder Jack Higgins with the first-round draft pick from last year catching the eye again in a VFL hit-out on the weekend. Higgins had 22 disposals, took six marks, laid five tackles and kicked a goal to cap off an impressive summer. With Josh Caddy out, Higgins, who was an emergency last week, could get his chance, or Callum Moore or Ivan Soldo if they want to maintain a bit more height. Connor Menadue has also shown good form in the VFL off half-back.
Under the pump: There'll be one enforced change with Caddy suspended, but others could pay the price for the Tigers' loss to the Crows. Shai Bolton has been quiet in his two games this season with just one goal while Reece Conca and Corey Ellis could be in the gun for the second week running after limited contribution.
Medical room: Nick Vlastuin should play provided he gets through training and passes fitness tests after missing last week with delayed concussion symptoms. Dion Prestia played two and a bit quarters of a VFL practice match in his first competitive hit-out for 2018 and is over the hamstring injury that derailed his pre-season. Given his lack of summer training, he's likely to need more minutes at VFL level. Caddy is out for a week while Nathan Broad has one more to go on his club sanction.
Verdict: They've got to make at least one change – too many more could appear a kneejerk reaction to their first loss since round 21 last year. Two seems plausible, with Vlastuin and Higgins to come in for Caddy and Corey Ellis.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2018-04-03/in-the-mix-round-three
