Graham in line for Tigers debut
foxsports.com.au
By Sam Lienert
July 06, 2007
RICHMOND assistant coach Jade Rawlings says ruckman Angus Graham has a good chance of making his AFL debut in Sunday's match against the Kangaroos at Telstra Dome.
Graham, who was elevated off the rookie list earlier this season, was included in the Tigers' 25-man squad last night.
Rawlings said he was likely to make the cut when the 22 is named later today.
"He is a big chance ... we've got a match committee meeting this afternoon to decide the final 22, but his improvement rate has been enormous since I've been at the club,'' he said.
"It's been a real joy watching him develop, his work-rate's phenomenal and he's a good size, he works hard and he's improved his skills.
"So whether it is this week or the following, he's definitely ready, the way he's gone about his VFL footy.''
The 200cm 20-year-old player is the second-tallest player on the Tigers list, behind 204cm Trent Knobel, who is yet to play this season because of a leg injury.
Rawlings said the good form of Kangaroos ruck duo Hamish McIntosh and David Hale had also influenced the decision to include Graham in the squad.
The fact that Richmond's No.1 ruckman Troy Simmonds is still working his way into top form and fitness after returning from injury last round was also a factor.
"It was just our whole ruck set-up. (Adam) Pattison's been forced to play probably outside his expectations this year in the ruck,'' he said.
"We have no qualms in playing Pattison, Simmonds and Graham, or Knobel when he's ready, in the same side.
"It's a bit of a reflection on McIntosh and Hale as well, I suppose.''
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,,22027945-23211,00.html
