Damien Hardwick has been losing sleep deciding how to cover the loss of his star AFL quartet, but the Richmond coach sees an imposing road trip to face Port Adelaide as an opportunity to achieve something special.
The Tigers will line up with a new captain in Shane Edwards and six personnel changes after suspended superstar Dustin Martin joined injured leaders Trent Cotchin, Jack Riewoldt and Alex Rance on the sidelines.
Richmond’s leaders have endorsed Edwards to skipper the Tigers on Saturday at Adelaide Oval, where midfield draftee Jack Ross will make his debut.
Dylan Grimes, Josh Caddy, Bachar Houli, Liam Baker and Shai Bolton will join Ross in the 22.
With Martin serving a suspension – downgraded from two games to one by the AFL tribunal – for striking GWS opponent Adam Kennedy, Richmond will line up without any of their “big four” for the first time since before Martin’s 2010 debut.
They’ve also lost Jayden Short (elbow), while Oleg Markov, Ryan Garthwaite and Dan Butler were dropped.
A round-one victory over lowly Carlton has proven to be the only real positive this season for Richmond, who face the Power after losses to Collingwood and the Giants.
“We’re being tested at the moment, there’s no doubt about that,” Hardwick said on Thursday.
“But the reality is it’s an opportunity for us. That’s what we’ve got to look at it as.
“We certainly look forward to the challenge of going over there on their home deck, against a hostile environment, and sometimes great things happen.”
Hardwick didn’t hesitate to talk up powerfully built youngster Ross, suggesting the 18-year-old would help to fill the void left by Martin and Cotchin’s midfield absence.
“He’s tough, he’s hard. He brings a real Richmond attitude,” Hardwick said.
“He’s a very quiet lad but he plays the game in a brutal way and I think Richmond supporters are going to fall in love with him.”
Caddy was picked despite noting earlier on Thursday that the high-marking forward had been unwell during the week.
Riewoldt is a chance to return for next week’s clash with Sydney, although the Tigers are conscious of managing his workload given the four-day break in between the Swans game and the Anzac-eve fixture against Melbourne.
Peter Warrington
Guest
7 not 11 but what's 4 points between friends? ker-ching!
Peter Warrington
Guest
I would have thought so and loved so. The way he is playing this season (so far) he is more likely to be captaining the VFL quicksmart.
Alfred
Guest
Think Tigger (Vlastuin) will be the next captain. What do any of us know though who aren't actively involved with the club daily.
Peter
Guest
Higgins or Stack should be captain
Peter Warrington
Guest
The great win in 17, we had half the team with less than 50 games. This thing can be done!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Would be a pretty special win if they can go to Adelaide Oval without their best three players and knock over a port team who are going pretty well.
Peter Warrington
Guest
With Oleg I think it was confirmation bias Continual poor decisions under pressure despite his skills Not sure how Edwards for the band - his worst game in 3 years last week. I would have given it to McIntosh. Just to see his smile. We love him in our house x
Peter Warrington
Guest
Yes as is my wont in these sorts of years I oscillate wildly Seeing Vlastuin and Grimes with the chance to lead the Cubs fills me with optimism for an upset for the ages Then, in the shower, I visualise Boak and Wines monstering our fledgling and wonder who other than Astbury is above 188 in the backline and I tremble in fear Richmond by 11 or Port by 70. If we switch on early, potentially the former!
Vicboy
Roar Rookie
Agree re George (unless a psych can overcome his yips) and Ellis should have gone to Gold Coast too Would like to have seen Markov get an extended go and Townsend for grunt. Looks like too many newbies for cohesion, as Lynch is still new. Unsure what Balta's role will be, especially if Westoff and Lycett start forward
Peter Warrington
Guest
notwithstanding the inexplicable inclusion of Castagna and Ellis, I am looking forward to an improved showing especially with Caddy's innate mongrel leadership very missed to date we showed more endeavour and scrap againt the better credentialed Giants so a sneaky win not out of the question. at least we are getting to see the new kids early. Go Tiges!