Real impact of big Lynch ban
Already sitting second last on the ladder with just three wins, and coming off a 68-point hiding by Adelaide, the Tigers have no clear goal square presence with small forward Seth Campbell's 21 majors the most of anyone at the club this season.
A calf injury suffered by key forward Mykelti Lefau in his return from an ACL last weekend will cost him up to six weeks on the sidelines causing significant front half of the ground headaches for coach Adem Yze.
Last year's No.1 draft pick, Sam Lalor, is set to return for the Tigers this week and along with fellow 19-year-old Harry Armstrong, who could return in round 18, loom as possible forward options for a team which has battled to kick winning scores all season. Noah Balta might have to play forward. Mark Stewart Credit: News Corp Australia
Richmond is the only team in the AFL yet to kick 1000 points this season, the total of 93 being 40 points less than even the last-placed West Coast Eagles, who have only won a single game.
Yze flagged that key defender Noah Balta, who went forward late in the clash against the Crows, could be a forward prospect in the absence of Lynch.
Balta has kicked just 37 goals across his 111 games, and none in seven in 2025, a season impacted by a court-imposed curfew which limits him to day games in Melbourne.
The Tigers face Geelong at Geelong this week, meaning Balta can play, and Lalor, who burst onto the AFL scene with two goals in round 1 against Carlton, and has 11 for the season, should be ready to play.
'Sam passed all of his tests last week, but we made a decision that the best thing for him going forward for his long-term career was to just get a few more football exposures before we throw him back into AFL football,' Richmond high performance manager, Ben Serpell, said.
'He did some extra footy training last week, and he will get through a full session tomorrow, and then we will see him out there this weekend.'
Richmond picked up Seth McDonald in the mid-season draft with a few to helping boost their forward stocks. He kicked two goals in the VFL last weekend.
Armstrong, drafted as a goalkicker having been a key forward in the Under 18 competition, could be one more week away.
Despite their flailing fortunes, Yze was adamant his team would not fall off a cliff this season with eight games still to go.
'I've got no doubt that our players aren't just going to look to the end (of the season),' he said.n
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The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Star Dockers mid injured in comeback win over Carlton
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there. Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir is optimistic Hayden Young's groin injury isn't serious after the star midfielder lasted less than a quarter in his team's 27-point comeback win over Carlton at Optus Stadium. The Blues registered the first four goals of the match and still led by eight points at the final change before Fremantle kicked seven goals to one in a blistering last quarter to seal the 15.4 (94) to 10.7 (67) win in front of 39,358 fans. Isaiah Dudley and Patrick Voss kicked two goals each in the final quarter onslaught, with the win improving Fremantle's record to 14-6 and keeping them just percentage adrift of fourth-placed Geelong. Young injured his left groin late in the first quarter and was subbed out after being assessed on the bench. The 24-year-old Young was playing just his third match back from hamstring surgery, and his latest setback is a massive blow with the finals little more than a month away. "Touch wood, it's not too bad. It doesn't look very serious. He just couldn't get going," Longmuir said. "I think today's injury was just a bit unlucky and a bit more of a twisting action." Carlton were also dealt injury blows. Blues youngster Harry O'Farrell, just minutes after kicking his first AFL goal in the second quarter, suffered a suspected ACL tear in his left knee after landing awkwardly in a marking contest. "Shattering news for us and in particular him," Carlton coach Michael Voss said of O'Farrell, the No.40 pick from last year's national draft. "The highs and lows of football - it's got a great way of being able to lift you up, and it's got a very nasty way of being able to bring you down as well. "We've been so impressed with the young man, and he's going to evolve in a very good play for us." Defender Adam Saad was left groggy and with blood pouring from his nose in the dying minutes after an accidental shin to the face from Andrew Brayshaw. Fremantle's trio of spearheads Voss, Josh Treacy and Jye Amiss kicked three goals apiece in a potent attack, while Luke Jackson tallied 27 disposals, eight clearances, one goal and 18 hitouts in a huge display. Dockers defender Jordan Clark racked up 30 possessions and 759m gained, and star midfielder Caleb Serong (19 disposals, eight clearances) fought back from a quiet first half under a tight tag from Cooper Lord. George Hewett starred for Carlton with 36 disposals and seven clearances but was quelled somewhat after half-time by Jaeger O'Meara, while Patrick Cripps (36 disposals, nine clearances) tried his best to will the Blues over the line. The scoreboard read 24-0 to Carlton before the most unlikely goal-kicker on the field - Fremantle defender Oscar McDonald - put the Dockers on the board after Tom De Koning coughed up a 50m penalty. Carlton's early onslaught came courtesy of their clearance dominance and intense tackling pressure. The Blues won the centre clearances 11-1 in the first half, helping them to a 24-point lead. Hewett had 25 disposals and seven clearances to his name by the long break. In contrast, Serong had just five possessions and two clearances. Fremantle made their move in the third quarter with four goals to one - including two to Amiss - to close the margin to eight points at the final change. Treacy was huge in the fightback, with his attack on the ball and powerful marking crucial. The bustling spearhead nailed a set shot from 50m to put Fremantle ahead early in the final term, and the onslaught continued from there.
West Australian
3 hours ago
- West Australian
Anna Hay: Good, bad, ugly as coaches under the pump in round 21
GOOD: CHESSER'S CHANCE Campbell Chesser's first AFL game of the season was far more than just a return from injury — it was a high stakes audition for his playing future. The out-of-contract midfielder was the Eagles' top draft selection at pick 14 in 2021; but injuries have meant his career has been defined more by his potential than his performance. His return against the Demons was his chance to break the cycle and he grabbed the opportunity with both hands. In a dark and disappointing day for West Coast, Chesser was a shining light. His run and carry were a constant feature of his game, finishing with 17 disposals and a goal. For the first time in a really long time, Chesser looked like the player the Eagles drafted and we saw some flashes of the young Victorian they believed in. He was composed and ready to make an impact. Let's hope this was a just a sneak peek of a long and successful career for Chesser in blue and gold. BAD: PLAYER PRIVACY Carlton coach Michael Voss was completely justified in his disappointment over Collingwood coach Craig McRae's public admission about meeting with out-of-contract Blue Jack Silvagni. While McRae wouldn't have meant any harm, his casual remark about the coffee date created a challenging situation for Silvagni to navigate. Voss made the point in his press conference on Saturday afternoon. It's not the coaches that have to walk back into the locker room and face their teammates, it's the player. West Aussies know this story all too well. We saw the fallout after Oscar Allen had coffee with Hawthorn coach Sam Mitchell. Allen was thrust into the spotlight, scrutinised for his loyalty and commitment to the club he co-captains. McRae's public name drop could also have frustrated out-of-contract Pies stars Brody Mihocek, Jamie Elliot, Darcy Cameron and Jeremy Howe, whose contract talks have come to a standstill, while the club publicly pursues Silvagni. UGLY: EAGLES INNER DEMONS It's fair to wonder just how low the Eagles can go this season. You've probably caught yourself thinking, where is rock bottom for West Coast? Have they reached it yet or is there further to fall? On Saturday, the club claimed its second wooden spoon in three years, following the 83-point thumping to Melbourne. Eagles coach Andrew McQualter said post-match the football club isn't tough enough and it's something they can't accept. It will be interesting to see how they respond in the final three rounds of the season, when they face top-of-the-table Adelaide, the Western Bulldogs and Sydney. These games will be a test of character. If you're a glass half full sort of person, well, that number one pick will be the Eagles in the upcoming draft. A golden ticket to a brighter future.
News.com.au
7 hours ago
- News.com.au
‘Thug act': North Melbourne star reported after off the ball hit
North Melbourne's Paul Curtis could be set to spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines after being reported on Sunday. The 22-year-old forward was put into the umpire's book at the end of the first quarter for striking St Kilda's Angus Hastie. FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1. As teammate Nick Larkey's shot after the siren sailed through for a goal, Curtis appeared to land a left jab to the neck/head region of Hastie. 'The fact it's behind the play – these things are usually graded as intentional,' Fox Sports' David Zita said on the coverage. Watch the incident in the video player above 'So that will already lower the threshold for what the impact has to be for this to be a one-match ban. 'We know the AFL doesn't like this – behind the ball shots at other player.' Geelong legend Tom Hawkins said a one-week ban would 'seem about right'. 'It doesn't bode well for him. I've been in that situation and it's likely that there's something coming his way,' Hawkins told Fox Footy. It could ultimately be the second time this season Curtis has copped a suspension after he was handed a three-match ban for a dangerous tackle in April. The North star fought to have the eyebrow raising ban overturn but it was upheld by the AFL Tribunal. But as Zita pointed out on Sunday: 'This one is purely of his own doing. He's put himself on the MRO's radar.' Fans watching on were quick to call for Curtis to cop a lengthy ban over the incident. One wrote on X: 'Absolute thug act. The game has no place for it. Enjoy your break.' A second added: 'Off the ball, intent to hurt. 3 weeks minimum.' A third posted: 'Enjoy the early end of season holiday Curtis.' While Curtis will face a nervous wait, the Saints endured one on Sunday as North threatened to steal the win away. In a game that essentially meant nothing other than a cherished victory for two success-starved fan bases, the game seesawed before the Saints gained control and survived a late scare to record the 11.12 (78) to 10.9 (69) victory. In a stark contrast to last week, the Saints all but stopped in the final term with the Roos getting within three points with 1:36 remaining. St Kilda held on just, kicking its only goal of the last term courtesy of a 50-metre penalty after the siren. Earlier on, the Saints had the opening goal through Max Heath in no time, but North Melbourne were able to get on top for the remainder of the opening term through superior midfield strength. Three consecutive goals gave the Roos an early buffer before the Saints found their feet and seized control as North's pressure fell away. They followed that Roos' run with four goals in a row to lead by a point at the main break after trailing by as much as 19 points early in the second quarter. The Roos came out better in the second half with two quick goals - including a third goal to Nick Larkey – to regain the lead. Both sides had their surges, but the Saints were able to get out to a 21-point at the last break after a six-goal quarter. The Roos nearly pinched it in a frantic final term, but fell just short.
