Richmond coach Damien Hardwick will use Friday night’s NAB Challenge match against Port Adelaide in Alice Springs as another chance to give the club’s developing players more valuable game time.
The Tigers will go into the match with many of its senior players returning, but the side still contains eight players in their first or second year at the club.
Those fresh faces include 2010 draftees Reece Conca, Jake Batchelor, Brad Helbig, Dean MacDonald and Tom Derickx.
“The pre season games offer a great opportunity for our young players to develop against quality opposition,” Hardwick said.
“It’s about getting some games into them early in their careers so they’ll be equipped to go to the next level when the real season begins.”
Hardwick said they inclusion of senior players including Chris Newman, Luke McGuane, Nathan Foley and Daniel Jackson would also assist in the learning curve of the younger players.
“The pleasing thing about our group is that they all want to learn, and one of the best ways for the younger guys to learn is to have experienced players alongside them,” he said.
“We still have a number of spots in the team that are up for grabs, so everyone will be looking to impress the coaching staff.”
Richmond’s game against the Power will also give the Tigers a chance to play in Alice Springs, after the cancellation of this month’s Indigenous All-Stars match.
“We were really disappointed we didn’t get the chance to play here, and I know the players were definitely looking forward to it,” Hardwick said.
