What we learned: The Tigers’ unofficial start to 2025 could have gone better than a six-goal defeat to West Coast across three periods of play, and it certainly could have gone without a worrying head knock to number one draft pick Sam Lalor in the dying stages of their match at Mineral Resources Park.
The emerging star has officially entered concussion protocols, after needing assistance to the field reporting a sore jaw.
In the words of caller Adam Papalia on Kayo throughout the match, the 18-year-old had “done some impressive things, without dominating,” across the 75-minute match.
“He just looks like him (Martin)! I reckon if he plays anything like Dusty, Richmond fans will be very, very happy,” premiership Eagle Will Schofield added.
Lalor kicked two of Richmond’s four goals for the morning, evidently having a positive impact on the young group.
Admittedly, the Tigers were missing a plethora of senior players, with the likes of Tim Taranto, Tom Lynch, Jacob Hopper, Toby Nankervis, and Nick Vlastuin all staying behind in Melbourne.
Tigers fans will also be sweating on the fitness of young gun Hugo Ralphsmith, who left the field of play during the second period holding his hamstring.
Beyond the injuries and absentees, Category B ruck Oliver Hayes-Brown made his presence felt with a goal, and looks to have improved notably since signing with the club in September of 2023.
Additionally, Seth Campbell ran through the midfield at times in a potential indicator of more time on-ball in 2025.
Next week’s clash with the Magpies will hopefully give further exposure to all the young talent at Punt Road after Monday’s hit out.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-match-sims-scores-results-2025-what-we-learned-about-every-club-after-match-simulation-practice-games/news-story/db10fe72f0bd293a801e72f56791a39f
