Richmond is preparing to welcome back premiership defender Jayden Short for their upcoming clash with Fremantle, while they anticipate the return of several senior players in the following week as part of their cautious approach to the early season. Short’s return from a calf injury is particularly welcomed, compensating for midfielder Jack Graham’s absence due to a minor hamstring issue. Coach Adem Yze expressed optimism about Short’s readiness pending Friday’s training session.
Yze emphasized the importance of Short to the team’s morale and performance, highlighting his leadership role. Despite the potential availability of Graham and others like Dion Prestia and Noah Balta, Richmond is opting for a conservative strategy, ensuring key players fully recover before reintroducing them to the lineup. Yze underscored the significance of not risking further injury, especially considering the team’s current injury woes.
Looking ahead, Graham is expected to miss only one game, with Prestia and Balta likely to return for the next match against the Western Bulldogs. The team’s focus is on gradual reintegration, prioritizing player well-being over immediate returns to the field. The selection for Sunday’s game against Fremantle, including the choice of ruck formation, remains to be finalized, with potential inclusions such as Sam Naismith and Samson Ryan being considered alongside Short.
