RICHMOND'S bus has been held up in a huge traffic jam on its way to Metricon Stadium for its crucial round 18 clash with Brisbane.
The game has now been pushed back by 15 minutes and will start at 8.05pm AEST.
The delay is reportedly due to a crash on the freeway. It's another distraction the Tigers can ill afford after the match was rescheduled at the last minute away from the MCG due to the COVID outbreak in Melbourne.
TIGERS v LIONS Follow it live from 8.05pm AEST
The Lions were also caught up in the drama on the commute from Brisbane to the Gold Coast.
The Tigers are out to revive their spluttering season and also celebrate Jack Riewoldt's 300th match.
The reigning champion's season is in freefall after four straight losses, including back-to-back shockers to lowly Collingwood and Gold Coast.
The Tigers are now down in 12th place and simply must win this match to remain in the finals hunt.
They have received a boost at selection with influential big man Toby Nankervis returning from injury, along with Kane Lambert, while former Saint Matt Parker will make his Tiger debut after being picked up in the NAB AFL Mid-Season Rookie Draft.
Meanwhile, the Lions won't get a chance to end their MCG hoodoo due to the dramatic rescheduling of the venue which saw them fly to Melbourne, isolate, and fly back.
The Lions will be without bookends Eric Hipwood (knee) and Marcus Adams (foot), who both suffered significant injuries in last week's shock loss to St Kilda.
Tom Fullarton gets his chance to impress in a ruck-forward role, while Ryan Lester and Jaxon Prior also return to the side.
A win will keep Brisbane in the top four, but a loss could see it fall out by the end of the round.
Richmond v Brisbane at Metricon Stadium, 8.05pm AEST
NO LATE CHANGES
MEDICAL SUBS
Richmond: Jack Ross
Brisbane: Thomas Berry
