Broad is calf soreness
Hooper is a knee issue
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Five changes to Face PortBy Richmond Media
Richmond has made five changes to its line-up for Sunday's clash with Port Adelaide at the MCG.
As announced earlier on Friday, athletic utility Mykelti Lefau will make his AFL debut against Port, just 34 days after becoming a Richmond AFL player via the Pre-Season Supplementary Selection Period.
The 195cm 25-year-old, who was born in New Zealand and initially moved to Melbourne over a decade ago to pursue a rugby career, has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top level.
The Tigers have recalled versatile tall Ben Miller for match, who will add to his 25 career AFL games.
Also returning to the line-up are young defenders Tom Brown and James Trezise, who are both back for their second AFL outings after debuting in Round 24 last year.
Twenty-year-old Brown, who was named as an emergency for the Tigers' opening two games of 2024, drew praise from VFL coach Steve Morris after last Thursday's VFL practice game against Carlton, where he recorded 17 disposals, five marks and four rebound-50s.
"He looks so composed and calm with the footy down back and won the ball back for us consistently on the day," Morris said.
Morris said Trezise, who collected 16 disposals and four marks in the VFL practice game, was ready for another opportunity at the next level.
"James is in some really good form. He continues to win the ball back for us and he used the ball particularly well on Thursday," Morris said.
Rounding out the inclusions is hard-running wingman Sam Banks, who was omitted from Richmond's Round 1 side after playing in the Opening Round.
Coming out of the side is Josh Gibcus, who ruptured his ACL last Thursday night against Carlton, Tylar Young, who suffered a concussion during the clash, Dion Prestia, who injured his hamstring in the game, Nathan Broad, through calf soreness, and Jacob Hopper, due to a knee issue.
The Tigers have selected Samson Ryan, Judson Clarke and Hugo Ralphsmith as their three emergencies.
Sunday's game kicks off at 4.00pm and will be broadcast live on FOX FOOTY and Kayo Sports.
Richmond Coach Adem Yze said the territory game was going to be crucial, but he "backed (Richmond's) system" in to deliver.
"They've got some speed, they've got some amazing midfield talent. We're hoping to match them inside... around clearance, around stoppage," Yze said.
"It was good to have our captain (Nankervis) back last week and it will give some opportunity for some younger players as well against some quality midfielders.
"We've just got to start well and have a really consistent performance over four quarters.
"We can't wait. Our first home game at the 'G (for the season), we'll get an opportunity in front of our supporters."
Backs: Dylan Grimes 2, Ben Miller 46, Nick Vlastuin 1
Half-Backs: Jayden Short 15, James Trezise 36, Daniel Rioli 17
Centreline: Kamdyn McIntosh 33, Tim Taranto 14, Marlion Pickett 50
Half-Forwards: Seth Campbell 44, Shai Bolton 29, Rhyan Mansell 31
Forwards: Noah Balta 21, Dustin Martin 4, Tom Lynch 19
Followers: Toby Nankervis 25, Thomson Dow 27, Liam Baker 7
Interchange: Tom Brown 30, Jack Ross 5, Sam Banks 41, Maurice Rioli 10, Mykelti Lefau 42
Emergencies: Samson Ryan 32, Judson Clarke 23, Hugo Ralphsmith 13
In: Tom Brown, James Trezise, Sam Banks, Mykelti Lefau, Ben Miller
Out: Dion Prestia (injured), Josh Gibcus (injured), Jacob Hopper (injured), Nathan Broad (injured), Tylar Young (concussion)
New: Mykleti Lefau
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1512115/five-changes-to-face-port
