Tigers could have 20 players unavailable as injury crisis worsensBy Sarah Black
afl.com.au
21 May 2024RICHMOND is once again facing severely limited numbers as the Tigers' injury crisis intensifies, the unavailability list now a chance to hit an astonishing 20 players.
The Tigers have suffered yet another round of injuries, with Rhyan Mansell (concussion) definitely ruled out of Dreamtime at the 'G, while Sam Naismith tore his ACL in the VFL and is set to undergo his fourth knee reconstruction.
Richmond is now down to one fit ruck, captain Toby Nankervis.
Subbed out key forward Mykelti Lefau has been cleared of a broken jaw, but it remains to be seen if he will be declared fit to play.
Jacob Bauer – who has battled a hamstring injury this year – was also a late withdrawal from the VFL side, this time with a quad issue.
Teams must name a squad of 26 players (23 and three emergencies), and only Jacob Koschitzke, Samson Ryan and Kaleb Smith – who were emergencies for the Brisbane defeat – were left standing by the end of the VFL game.
If a fit three emergencies cannot be reached, there's a chance injured players will be named in order to make the minimum.
But Richmond will be hoping to regain Liam Baker (corked leg) and Dylan Grimes (back), who have both been sidelined for two weeks.
The Tigers will release their official injury list on Tuesday, but last week listed concussed pair Sam Banks and James Trezise as set to miss only one match, while Seth Campbell (knee bone bruising) and Jack Graham (hamstring) are outside chances to face the Bombers.
Richmond has used 39 players this year, comfortably the most of any side. The only Tigers yet to take to the field are long-term injured pair Liam Fawcett and Mate Colina (back), Bauer (who has been sidelined most of this season), second-year Kaleb Smith and category B rookie Oliver Hayes-Brown, who is currently playing in the VAFA, the level below the VFL.
RICHMOND UNAVAILABILITYApproximate timelines, to be officially confirmed on TuesdayMykelti Lefau (jaw), TBC
Jacob Bauer (quad), TBC
Sam Naismith (suspected ACL), season
Rhyan Mansell (concussion), TBC
Liam Baker (corked leg), test
Dylan Grimes (back), test
James Trezise (concussion), test
Sam Banks (concussion), test
Seth Campbell (knee), 1 week
Jack Graham (hamstring), 1 week
Jacob Hopper (hamstring), 1-2 weeks
Tim Taranto (wrist), 2-3 weeks
Tom Lynch (hamstring), 3-5 weeks
Jack Ross (foot), 5-7 weeks
Maurice Rioli jnr (ankle), 7-9 weeks
Liam Fawcett (back), TBC/long-term
Mate Colina (back, TBC/long-term
Josh Gibcus (ACL), season
Judson Clarke (ACL), season
Oliver Hayes-Brown, playing VAFA
https://www.afl.com.au/news/1135054/richmond-tigers-could-have-20-players-unavailable-as-injury-crisis-worsens
