Impressive Tigers set to regain more stars for first final
Dion Prestia is firming to return for Richmond's first final, along with Shai Bolton and Tom Lynch By Marc McGowan
afl.com.au
19 September 2020 10pmRICHMOND'S reigning club champion Dion Prestia is on track to be one of three Tigers to return from injury for their first final in a fortnight.
Prestia underwent ankle surgery in July after suffering a syndesmosis setback in Richmond's round five win over Melbourne and hasn't played since, but is well on the way to being back.
Dual premiership coach Damien Hardwick said after his team's 44-point defeat of Adelaide on Saturday that the 27-year-old onballer planned to fit in match practice next week and was set to be ready for finals.
"Dion is a wonderful player – a best and fairest winner – and hasn't played for us for a long period of time, but he just makes us better by being out there," Hardwick said.
"If he's putting his hand up to play, I'm picking him."
Shai Bolton (corked calf) is certain to be available for the Tigers' qualifying final, while Tom Lynch (hamstring) should be as well, although Hardwick said they wouldn't risk him if there was any doubt.
In-game injuries to Josh Caddy (knee) and Jake Aarts (shoulder) aren't expected to rule them out.
The victory over the Crows sealed third spot for Richmond, extending the club's run of top-four finishes to four years as it hunts a third flag in that period.
Making the result sweeter was the successful returns of key pair Shane Edwards and David Astbury – last seen in rounds five and four, respectively – after Bachar Houli also came back in recent weeks.
With more talent incoming, the pressure for spots at Tigerland will be enormous come finals time.
"There are going to be some good players miss out, but you know your list has to run deep to go as far as you can," Hardwick said.
"We've earned the opportunity in the top four. Our guys have hung tough throughout the year and every player plays a role.
"Some will play in a final; some will help those guys playing in a final. The good thing about our playing group is they have a really good understanding of what makes us great."
https://www.afl.com.au/news/508375/impressive-tigers-set-to-regain-more-stars-for-first-final
