Richmond has seven players who missed the Grand Final pushing for Round 1 selection

When the heat was on, the Tigers were far and away the best side of 2019. But in scary news for the rest of the league, the competition for spots at Punt Road is about to get hotter.

Jack Riewoldt marks despite the efforts of David Astbury. Picture: Michael Klein

Damien Hardwick overlooking reigning best-and-fairest Dion Prestia in Victoria’s line-up for the State of Origin blockbuster might prove a blessing for the Richmond coach.

That tough conversation is set to become something of a norm at Punt Rd with a bunch of in-form Tigers bracing for Round 1 disappointment.

With just 27 days until the season-opener against Carlton, Richmond boasts a shallow injury list and depth reminiscent of Australia’s Test team 20 years ago.

The likes of Jack Ross, 19, a bulked-up Riley Collier-Dawkins, 20, Noah Balta, 19 and Sydney Stack, 19, are all pressing for selection.

That’s before you get to injured pair Kamdyn McIntosh (ankle) and Jack Graham (shoulder), who should both be ready by the pre-season game against Grand Finalist GWS in Wagga Wagga on March 8.

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Dustin Martin fires off a handball during Richmond’s intra-club clash. Picture: Michael Klein

And then there is Jack Higgins, who played without apprehension — and without a helmet — in Thursday’s intra-club at Punt Rd after his remarkable recovery from intrusive brain surgery.

That’s already seven players striving to break into a premiership team that lost only Brandon Ellis to Gold Coast.

The problem for that seven is that fringe premiership players, such as Shai Bolton and one-gamer Marlion Pickett, are sparkling in the summertime.

Assistant coach Justin Leppitsch said Bolton was “exceptional” after the livewire booted two goals in Thursday’s intra-club.

Jayden Short clears as he is tackled by Jack Ross and Sydney Stack. Picture: Michael Klein

“We’re a bit unsure (of our best 22) at this point,” Leppitsch said.

“The guys that didn’t play in the Grand Final a lot of them played really well out there today. It’s going to be difficult.

“Noah’s one that’s looking for an opportunity and he played in our best defence today and was probably one of our best players.

“It’s really hard, because you’ve got to fit another player in. He’s made it really difficult for us at the selection table, that’s for sure.

Trent Cotchin gets a clearing kick. Picture: Michael Klein

“I’m sure he’ll get an opportunity next week in our first game.”

Pickett is completing his first AFL pre-season at the ripe age of 27, and it’s showing.

“He does look good, he looks sharp. He’s still blind-turning everybody, which is good to see,” Leppitsch said.

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Leppitsch said Higgins was “terrific, he gets a lot of the ball and just knows how to find it” after his brave return.

“He and Sydney started in what you’d perceive as the ‘B team’ and both performed really well. They could easily slot into our group and play regular senior footy for us this year.”

Leppitsch said Stack was “a real weapon” given his ability to play all over the ground.

In the early rounds of last season the Tigers were fielding line-ups swamped with VFL names, but the accelerated development that gave the lesser-lights is paying dividends.

Originally published as Richmond has seven players who missed the Grand Final pushing for Round 1 selection