Richmond star Dustin Martin has made a successful return as the Tigers beat Geelong by 18 points in their AFL practice match.
Key points:
- Martin had not played since sustaining a kidney injury in round 18 last year
- The Tigers defeated the Cats by three goals
- Shai Bolton kicked three majors in the Tigers’ win
Martin played most of the match on Saturday at Kardinia Park and while he was understandably rusty, he still did plenty in the 17.8 (110) to 12.20 (92) win.
It was Martin’s first match since he suffered a serious kidney injury in last year’s round-18 win over the Brisbane Lions.
The match was supposed to go for six 30-minute periods, but the two senior teams left the field after the first four were completed.
Mostly younger players had a run for the rest of the match.
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Ivan Soldo also returned after missing last season because of a knee injury, while Noah Balta made his first appearance since an ankle injury sidelined him in round 15 last year.
Tigers star Shai Bolton lit up the match and kicked three goals.
Former Richmond and Adelaide player Tyson Stengle made an eye-catching debut for the Cats, kicking four goals.
After missing the finals series last year, Cats best and fairest defender Tom Stewart returned and was solid.
Shaun Higgins had more time in the middle for the Cats, while captain Joel Selwood spent a lot of time on a half-forward flank.
The Tigers were missing Trent Cotchin, Daniel Rioli, Kane Lambert, Jack Graham and new captain Dylan Grimes.
Mitch Duncan, Sam Menegola, Jack Henry and Mark O’Connor were among the Geelong players missing from the match.
AAP
Source: AFL NEWS ABC
