Shane Edwards on track for Blues openerTravis King
afl.com.au
March 18, 2016 1:41 PMRICHMOND'S blow of losing star recruit Chris Yarran for six weeks has been softened by the likelihood key playmaker Shane Edwards will be fit for the blockbuster season-opener against Carlton.
Yarran will be sent for surgery early next week to repair plantar fascia tissue damage in his left foot, but Edwards is on track to recover from a sore shoulder in time to face the Blues.
The 27-year-old appeared to have suffered serious damage when he left Etihad Stadium in a sling during Richmond's final NAB Challenge hit-out against Port Adelaide, however, Edwards escaped with only severe bruising and nerve swelling.
"My understanding is that he is (likely to play round one)," Richmond CEO Brendon Gale said on Friday.
"I don't think there's any long-term injury. He got a knock that flared-up some pain and inflammation and nerve issues, but our expectation is that he'll train fully next week and he'll be available."
Edwards' expected availability is a huge relief for the Tigers, who are unlikely to see Yarran until at least round six.
http://www.afl.com.au/news/2016-03-18/shane-edwards-on-track-for-blues-opener