Dustin Martin’s return was not the only big move at Richmond’s selection table ahead of their clash with St Kilda on Saturday, with Damien Hardwick axing four premiership players in a major shake up.
The reigning premiers have managed a dour draw against Collingwood and a disappointing loss to Hawthorn since the season restarted and Hardwick clearly felt compelled to take decisive action.
Premiership players Daniel Rioli, Marlion Pickett, Ivan Soldo and Jack Graham have all been dropped for Saturday’s clash at Marvel Stadium.
Toby Nankervis has won back the lead ruck role, Liam Baker is back from personal leave and Kamdyn McIntosh has earned a call-up alongside Martin, who missed last week’s defeat with bruised ribs.
Hardwick told reporters before Thursday’s selection announcement that he had not wanted to risk Martin if he was not able to play to his capabilities.
“The week off no doubt helped him,” the coach said.
“From our point of view it was always touch and go last week – he’s such an important player to the way we play, we just want to make sure he’s right.”
Richmond struggled to find genuine connection between midfield and attack against the Hawks and Martin’s return should go some way towards amending that issue.
“He’s one of the better forward half connection players we have and that then allows us to use Shane Edwards a little bit differently as well with the connection between the midfielders and the forwards,” Hardwick said.
Baker’s return after he flew to Western Australia for a funeral is a significant boost.
“We missed Liam last week – he’s such a popular member of our side but he’s very important to the way we structure up and the way we play as well,” Hardwick said.
The Tigers struggled against Hawthorn winger Isaac Smith’s run last week and will face Brad Hill on Saturday, but Hardwick said there were no plans to change his team’s approach to the wings.
The Richmond coach also defended key forward Jack Riewoldt, who has been goalless in his two games since the season resumption.
“The key forwards in general have been struggling throughout the league at the moment so we’re not too worried about it,” Hardwick said.
“The sky’s certainly not falling down from our point of view.”