Just on McAuliffe, Tigers with their injury issues had guys like Baker & Graham in their CBA rotations which isn't their normal position :-
View attachment 71829
Looking a the Tigers injury report, Hopper is a test/ only mid due back this week or next :-
https://www.richmondfc.com.au/news/1533177/injury-report-anzac-day-eve-2024
Richmond Injury List:
Test
Dylan Grimes, wrist
Jacob Hopper, knee
Unavailable
Jayden Short, soleus (1-2 weeks)
Dion Prestia, hamstring (3 weeks)
James Trezise, ankle (3-4 weeks)
Noah Balta, knee (3-4 weeks)
Jacob Bauer, hamstring (3-4 weeks)
Jack Ross, foot (8 weeks)
Tim Taranto, wrist (8 weeks)
Tom Lynch, hamstring (10-12 weeks)
Liam Fawcett, back (TBC - Long Term)
Mate Colina, back (TBC - Long Term)
Josh Gibcus, knee (season)
Judson Clarke, knee (season)
With Prestia's soft tissue history, I expect the tigers to be cautious with him so add another week/ meaning probably 4 weeks away. McAuliffe averaged 143 SC in the SANFL under 18's last year (26 possessions/ 14 contested average per game) & many expected him to debut round 0 with what he showed in preseason. 187cms/87 kgs so he is a big bodied inside mid.
Before the WCE game, Yze said this :- "
Kane McAuliffe is going to play a full game in the midfield and to be fair, he's earnt that." -
Adem Yze with some exciting news for Richmond
I went early last week on Hugo Garcia after the Sanders sub news, mainly because of what I saw from in the last quarter v GWS/ looked great in the centre square so if McAuliffe is named as expected for Wed pm I will be jumping on him. Much prefer him over Biggie tbh, he looked like a very average player to me - seemed a bit lost.
I would have this week's possible rookie trade in order as :-
1. Hugo Garcia
2. McAuliffe
3. Nyuon
Really keen on Riley Garcia the following week after watching what his role is with Libba in the team, not willing to go early because of that & the way Bevo likes to change things around.