Triple-premiership defender Nick Vlastuin may have overcome a rib injury, but he faced as tough a pre-season challenge as possible when matched up on Dustin Martin during Richmond’s intra-club match on Monday.
Vlastuin had spent time away from contact training, having fractured a rib at training earlier this month, but he recovered quickly and his run and carry were on show in a spirited clash of more than an hour at Punt Rd where senior AFL umpires took charge.
While co-captain Dylan Grimes had bulk minutes on Martin, Vlastuin had spells on a man who has been in mint condition through the summer. Martin has dispelled any fears his interest in the game – and the Tigers – had waned. There had been suggestions last year Martin was considering a shift to Sydney, and linking with the Swans.
Dustin Martin was in fine touch during an intra-club match at Punt Rd on Monday. Credit:Getty Images
Martin finished with two goals on Monday, his first coming after a strong pack mark in front of Vlastuin, and his second from a clever snap in front of goal. He missed a set shot for a third he typically would have converted.
Vlastuin and Martin, the latter the only man to claim three Norm Smith Medals, will be central figures in the Tigers’ bid to return to premiership contention, having been beaten in the opening week of the finals last year.
The Tigers have privately been delighted with Martin this pre-season, for he has barely missed a session, and appears set to again be a consistent threat. While acknowledging that at 31 he may no longer be the dominant midfield threat he once was, the Tigers believe he can create havoc forward of centre and inside attacking 50, particularly when left one-out with his opponent.
Jack Dyer medallist Tom Lynch is on the mend from plantar fasciitis surgery in December and did not take to the field.
“He’s really building up his running and within the next few weeks. He’ll be back into training and be in good shape,” Tigers assistant coach Andrew McQualter said.
Lynch, the Tigers’ best forward, booted 63 goals in 19 matches this season, averaging 3.2 contested marks per game.
Veteran Jack Riewoldt was busy up forward, while co-captain Toby Nankervis pushed forward when the opportunity arose. Noah Balta, who spent time up forward last season, was used in his customary role in defence.
Former Greater Western Sydney pair Tim Taranto and Jacob Hopper were in the same side and looked smooth through the midfield, having spells at centre bounces.
Quinton Narkle, the former Cat hoping to force his way onto the Tigers list as a supplemental selection, found plenty of the ball. Narkle’s dash has never been questioned, but his consistency has been an issue. He was in good touch across half-back and through the midfield, and pushed forward when the opportunity arose. He is keen to make a splash if given a second chance.
Premiership pair Liam Baker and Shai Bolton, the latter arguably the Tigers’ most dynamic match-winner, had a good battle. Former skipper Trent Cotchin was busy at half-forward and pushing through the midfield.
The Tigers will have a warm-up clash against North Melbourne at Arden St later this month.
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