Richmond are hoping a conservative approach through the VFL will help premiership midfielder Dion Prestia finally overcome his tortured run with soft-tissue injuries.
Instead of returning in the Tigersโ Dreamtime clash with Essendon at the MCG on Friday night, Prestia will make his comeback in Frankston when he plays two quarters against the Bombersโ VFL side.
Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia.Credit: Justin McManus
After being restricted to 13 games last year, the 32-year-old is yet to play a game this season following an achilles injury.
But Richmond coach Adem Yze believes the club has learnt valuable lessons on how to manage their star veteran.
โThere always is, with the talent heโs got and the leadership he provides,โ Yze said of the temptation to bring Prestia straight back into the AFL.
โLast year, you could see how important he was when he came in and we probably did it the wrong way and he missed six weeks. Weโve got to learn from that.
โIf he gets through, heโll be available the week after.
โWeโre playing the long game with him.
โIโm not sure the last time heโs played VFL, but heโs bought into that.โ
During Prestiaโs absence, the triple premiership player has taken a great interest in mentoring Tigers young guns Sam Lalor and Josh Smillie.
Rebuilding Richmond have defied grim pre-season predictions to already win three games this year.
Despite Essendon coming off a 91-point smashing by Western Bulldogs last Saturday night, the Bombers will start as warm favourites to beat the Tigers.
Richmond will be without captain Toby Nankervis (managed), veteran forward Tom Lynch (concussion), star defender Noah Balta (court-imposed curfew) and former best-and-fairest winner Jayden Short (calf).
Samson Ryan is back to take on ruck duties, with Maurice Rioli Jnr and Campbell Gray also recalled.
โWeโre going to be a really young side, on a big stage, which is an awesome opportunity,โ Yze said.
โI sat in the forward line meeting and it felt like I was in a creche.
โItโs hard to fill Lynchyโs shoes … theyโve just got to share the load.
โTheyโre young but it will be exciting.โ
Essendonโs Jade Gresham and Matt Guelfi are back from injuries and hard-running teen defender Angus Clarke will debut on the big stage.
Dylan Shiel, Saad El-Hawli and Archer Day-Wicks have been dropped.
AAP
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