Changes for next week against the Suns?

[one-eyed]

Team Tips:

The Tigers will take plenty out of their tight loss to the Blues, given they would have triumphed with straighter kicking.

However, on a sour note, dynamic forward Rhyan Mansell came away from the match with a fractured wrist, with the club announcing he’ll miss the next three to four weeks.

That’s after young forward Jonty Faull was hit with a one-match suspension for striking Jacob Weitering.

However, veteran star Nick Vlastuin is set to make his season debut after he was managed out of the Blues game, while Dion Prestia has also been deemed available - though his return could come at VFL level first.

Liam Fawcett - who kicked three goals in the VFL side’s final tune-up - and Mykelti Lefau, back available after suspension, will be considered to replace Faull.

Zane Peucker was lively at VFL level with two goals to put his hand up for a debut, but Tyler Sonsie, the held-over emergency last Thursday, seems likelier to take Mansell’s spot in the side.

Campbell Gray - despite his competitiveness against the Blues - could be the unlucky casualty to make way for Vlastuin, with Tom Brown still likely out of favour to start the year.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-2026-round-2-team-tips-predicted-sides-and-squads-ins-and-outs-team-changes-injuries-latest-news/news-story/8286f6e7b5b75b12c88a42b5795b1537

[Tigeritis™©®]

OUTS:

Mansell (injured)
Hopper (dropped)
Gibcus (dropped)
Faull (if suspended)

INS:

Vlastuin
Sonsie
Prestia
Brown

Hopper and Gibcus need to be dropped to cement higher standards.

[Andyy]

Faull has been given 1 week Tig so he's confirmed.

I wouldn't drop Hopper after 1 game myself, and even though I'm not keen on Gibcus I wouldn't drop him yet either - all the kids need a run of games for consistency and confidence.

Floss and Prestia will come in. Move some magnets around. I'd drop Gray because I don't think he fits into the structure. Bring in Fawcett as 2nd ruck/forward.

[Tigeritis™©®]

Faull has been given 1 week Tig so he's confirmed.

I wouldn't drop Hopper after 1 game myself, and even though I'm not keen on Gibcus I wouldn't drop him yet either - all the kids need a run of games for consistency and confidence.

Floss and Prestia will come in. Move some magnets around. I'd drop Gray because I don't think he fits into the structure. Bring in Fawcett as 2nd ruck/forward.

I think the club would do well to drop Hopper, as it shows everyone that they are serious about standards. As a senior player, he will take it and come back better and stronger and set a good example to the youngsters, showing what it takes when you have a shocker.

[one-eyed]

Yze provides update on premiership duo

By Richmond Media
Mar 18, 2026

Richmond coach Adem Yze has provided a further update on veteran duo Nick Vlastuin and Dion Prestia ahead of Saturday’s home opener against the Gold Coast Suns.

Both Vlastuin and Prestia are available for selection, after missing the Round 1 clash with Carlton, and Yze discussed their status before Wednesday morning’s main training session.

“We've got our main session today, so get through that, touch wood,” Yze said.

“Nick, we took a really cautious approach with, he was physically able to play last week, it was just more of a training load, so we got a few extra sessions into him just to make sure we set him up for a good season.

“Dion was sort of touch and go last week, but it was just a little bit too risky, so same sort of thing, 10 days, or three extra sessions, that we could get into them.

“This is obviously the last one (they) have to tick off today. To have two of our best leaders out on the field on the weekend will be handy, so hopefully they get through today.”

Vlastuin is coming off a sensational 2025 campaign where he made the All-Australian squad, while Prestia played the last 12 games of last season, showcasing his strong leadership and averaging 23 disposals, his most since 2022.

Yze said managing Prestia, to ensure he has an impactful season, is at the front of mind.

“Being really smart with the way that we manage him leading into his first game, I think is really important,” Yze said.

“We're hoping that ends up being the same scenario, that he does get a good block of games.

“He's such an important player. Not only his output that he does with the ball, but without the ball and his leadership, and our young blokes can't wait for him to be out there with them.”

https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1974232/yze-provides-update-on-premiership-duo

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In the mix

Nick Vlastuin (conditioning) and Mykelti Lefau (club suspension) are now available for selection for Saturday’s match against Gold Coast. Dion Prestia (hamstring) is also ready to play, but is a chance to return via the VFL. Despite a strong showing against Carlton, Mansell fractured his wrist, and has undergone surgery. Cumming is hoping to return to contact training next week. Liam Fawcett kicked three goals in the VFL practice match against Carlton, and could be an option for Faull's spot, alongside Lefau, while Campbell Gray played just 32 per cent game time. Tyler Sonsie (emergency last week), Jasper Alger and maybe even potential debutant Zane Peucker may come into the frame for Mansell.

- Sarah Black

https://www.afl.com.au/news/1479593