Dimma's presser today:
AUDIO:
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/video/2019-05-17/hardwick-previews-hawks------------------------------------------------------
Flying Soldo: Injury creates opportunity for Tiger tall AFL.com.au
Sarah Black
May 17, 2019 IVAN Soldo will get first crack at Richmond's number one ruck role while Toby Nankervis is sidelined for two months with an adductor injury.
Tigers coach Damien Hardwick also forecasted 19-year-old ruckman Callum Coleman-Jones may make his senior debut at some point during Nankervis' absence.
Soldo has played just eight games since his debut in 2017, including only one last year, and will be coming up against one of the competition's most experienced ruckmen on Sunday in Hawthorn's Ben McEvoy.
"We feel [Soldo's] got the capacity to play that role consistently, and then we've also got a young up-and-coming ruckman in Coleman-Jones who we're really excited about as well," Hardwick said.
"The opportunity will be presented to Soldo first and foremost, and hopefully we can give him a good run at it. We feel, for his footy to go forward, he needs the opportunity to develop in the number one ruck role."
The Tigers traditionally play just one ruckman, with utility Noah Balta – who was forced the shoulder the load after Nankervis was injured last week – in support.
Nick Vlastuin (rolled ankle) and Daniel Rioli (general soreness) have been named in Richmond's extended squad, but will need to complete the main training session on Friday morning before their spots are confirmed.
Draftee Riley Collier-Dawkins was also named in the squad of 26, but his debut is likely to be held over for at least another week, with Hardwick predicting a more experienced player will come in to take Jack Ross' (syndesmosis) spot.
https://www.afl.com.au/news/2019-05-17/flying-soldo-injury-creates-opportunity-for-tiger-tall
